“Renewable energy has to become self-sustained as soon as possible. Companies receiving state aid are spoiled,” Mircea told a seminar on renewable energy issues.
Romania has wind farms with a total output of 980 MW, and the capacity may double this year.
The Competition Council vice-president added Romania needs a stable long-term strategy for energy.
“Energy is an area where investment is long-term. Romania has an energy strategy, but it keeps changing. The business environment shows a lack of confidence in the energy strategy’s stability,” Mircea added.
Renewable energy production is supported through a green certificate system, this being the reason for which many companies invested or plan to invest on this segment, as producers have twofold gains, by selling the energy produced and by trading in green certificates.
The certificates are issued by state-owned power grid operator Transelectrica (TEL.RO). The companies then sell these certificates, since electricity suppliers have annual quotas to fill on the purchase of these documents.
Green certificates are traded at a maximum price of EUR55 per unit, because supply outweighs demand. The minimum price for one certificate is EUR27.