Energy Efficiency in the Romanian Industry

Abstract

Romania's energy intensity is almost double compared to the EU average. The country is the sixth most energy-intensive country in the EU-28 and there is a great need for energy efficiency in all economic sectors. Energy efficiency represented a significant part of each of Romania’s energy strategies over the past decades. In order to achieve the goals set out here, many measures have been taken to increase efficiency in all areas of the country's economy. Economic growth has apparently decoupled from energy consumption. However, this fact can be rather explained due to the structural change of the economy towards tertiarization and low energy intensity industries. The present article presents a critical overview of the development of Romania and it’s economic sectors with regard to their energy intensity. It addresses both economic and political and legal frameworks, with a focus on energy policy. Special attention will be given to industry, with a focus on energy-intensive industrial sectors.