Renewable energy, climate change and environmental challenges in Romania

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight the characteristics of renewable energy potential of Romania, with focus on the wind and solar radiation, the effects of observed and projected climate changes on renewable energy source (RES) availability, as well as the most relevant actions supporting the renewable energy use towards the new EU targets. Climate projections have revealed a weakening of wind power potential and a significant increase in the sunshine duration. Thus, the increased dependency of key RES to climate change and extreme weather events calls for a more resilient approach under the current and future climate conditions. Although RES provide clean and sustainable energy, their exploitation raises a series of environmental consequences and challenges, which have also been addressed in the present study.