At a specialized conference, Virgil Popescu, a member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy in the European Parliament, stated that Romania is not in an imminent blackout situation and is progressing towards energy independence. He emphasized the importance of extracting gas from the Black Sea, estimating that by 2027, Romania will become the largest natural gas producer in the European Union.
Popescu mentioned that it is essential to consume gas in the country to maximize added value. He also highlighted the plans for the transition from coal to natural gas, including the construction of a gas power plant in Mintia, which will be the largest in Europe. Regarding nuclear energy, he mentioned that reactors 3 and 4 could be completed in 2031-2032. Popescu emphasized the need to continue investments in the energy sector, including in coal power plants, until energy security is ensured. The energy transition and associated risks were central themes of the Energy Forum conference.