An Ember 2026 report shows that coal's role in electricity production in the European Union is nearing its end, amid an accelerated growth of wind and solar energy and a decline in fossil fuel production at the EU level. In 2025, renewable energy (especially wind and solar) surpassed fossil fuel production for the first time, and coal reached a historic low.
In Romania, solar energy production has significantly increased and is raising its share in the energy mix; however, there are significant obstacles to integrating this energy: the limited capacity of electrical networks, the slow pace of authorizations, and the lack of large energy storage solutions. These issues slow down the harnessing of solar potential, despite official support and investor interest.
In the medium and long term, the report emphasizes the need for faster investments in infrastructure, batteries, and demand flexibility for renewable energy to truly become dominant in the Romanian energy system.
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