U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec: Romania has become a leader in Europe in reducing its carbon dependence

October 29, 2024   As prepared for delivery   Thank you for the invitation to join you today. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the significant role that clean energy plays in bolstering energy security and fostering a prosperous future.   In the United States, our companies have created over 330,000 new clean energy jobs over the last two years. This has given consumers more access to clean energy, including wind and solar, contributing to our economic prosperity.   Here in Europe, I have been struck the remarkable progress Romania has made in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, becoming a leader in Europe in reducing its carbon dependence since it joined the EU.   In 2008, coal accounted for 39.5% of the country’s energy mix and more than half of Romania’s energy came from coal and hydrocarbons.   In 2023, the share of coal was 13.44%, and nearly two-thirds of the energy output was carbon-free.   Romania is of course blessed with a wealth of energy resources, including in the Black Sea. Offshore natural gas and wind will bolster Romania’s status as a regional energy hub, a pillar of energy security in the region.   Unfortunately, Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine has created significant challenges in the Black Sea region.   These issues include physical security for offshore energy projects, and security of supply for electricity and natural gas for the countries in the region.   I want to commend Romania for the sustained support provided to Ukraine, including through emergency assistance in the energy sector.   Moreoever, the interconnector projects that Transelectrica is building, in partnership with the system operator from the Republic of Moldova, will help reduce Moldova’s dependence on electricity based on Russian gas.   We appreciate also the cooperation between Transelectrica and Moldelectrica, which Romania has encouraged, with USAID support. This engagement is helping to prepare the integration of the Moldovan electricity market with the EU single market.   The United States supports a Black Sea region that is secure, prosperous, interconnected, and free from threats to territorial integrity, economic coercion, and malign influence.   To this end, the United States government created a Black Sea strategy in 2023, with input from Romania and others in the region. The Strategy is part of the United States’ approach to addressing the immediate and long-term repercussions brought upon the region by Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.   One of the five pillars of the Black Sea Strategy is promoting regional energy security and clean energy. Specifically on energy security, we support Black Sea and partner and Ally countries to diversify energy routes, resources, and suppliers.   Case in point: Romania enjoyed technical assistance from the U.S. government in drafting its Offshore Wind Law, that became Law 121/2024. Discussions are ongoing regarding possible technical assistance for the secondary legislation.   Additionally, we are organizing the Southeastern Europe Energy Transition and Energy Security Business Trade Mission to Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia from March 17-21, 2025. This mission will provide a platform for U.S. businesses to jointly explore opportunities in the region’s growing energy market and contribute to the region’s energy transition.   We also cooperate with international financial institutions, EXIM, DFC, and the private sector to secure financing for low-carbon energy projects including solar, wind, geothermal, and civil nuclear power.   We are confident this strategy will help create a better environment for the future security and prosperity of Romania and the Black Sea region.   For investors, it is important to have a stable and predictable business climate, with legislative and fiscal decisions made in consultation with the businesses and stakeholders.   Now, renewable energy is a visible component of the steady and resilient progress towards prosperity.   As we cooperate to address the complexities of global and Black Sea security, and as the government consults with the businesses, the words of Romanian historian Nicolae Iorga come to mind: “Never say <> always say <>”.   Paraphrasing American investor Henry Ford, I would say “Working together is success.” This stands true regarding our cooperation to address the issues facing the Black Sea region.   It also stands true regarding the cooperation and consultation between the government and the businesses to reap the energy resources in the Black Sea and those onshore.   And so, energy security will blend with progress towards decarbonization and prosperity. Rest assured that the United States will continue to support this progress as Romania’s partner and ally.   Thank you for your attention.   By U.S. Mission Romania  (Photo:https://ro.usembassy.gov/ro/)