“The postponement of green certificates has had no effect on electricity bills because 1,000 MW of solar power became operational last year. The market is full of green certificates. We just hope the energy minister’s proposition to lower the cost of green certificates for industrial consumers by 85% doesn’t come too late,” Nastase said at the ZF Power Summit.
He added Alro pays an average $80 per MWh of electricity, while the average price is $46.6 in Germany, $36.7 in the United States, and $59.6 in France.
Industrial electricity consumers have long been criticizing the government for its vast support of renewable energy, warning that high energy prices might drive companies to relocate to other countries.
Aluminum producers are unable to transfer their cost differences onto clients as the price of aluminum is regulated by the market on the London Metal Exchange.
“The current rate of eco-taxes in our costs stifles our competitiveness. we want taxes brought down to a reasonable level,” said Nastase.
Alro (ALR.RO) is the largest aluminum smelter in southeast Europe, part of Dutch-registered Vimetco group.