RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association

📢 Important Update from the Romanian Competition Council The Romanian Competition Council has released a notice providing information on the review process for foreign direct investments (FDI), initiated for security or public order reasons, according to the attached statement. 🔍 Foreign and EU investors planning to make FDI or new investments in Romania must submit an authorization request to the Secretariat of the Commission for the Examination of Foreign Direct Investments (CEISD), a specialized body within the Competition Council. Key Points: 📌The request must comply with the Regulation approved by GD no. 1326/2022 and include the necessary information. 📌An examination fee of €10,000 is required. 📌Investments targeting sectors specified in CSAT Decision no. 73/2012 and exceeding €2 million are subject to CEISD approval. 📌Investments below €2 million may also be reviewed if they impact security or public order. CEISD will issue opinions on whether to authorize, conditionally authorize, or reject the investment requests. Understanding these updates is crucial for navigating Romania's investment landscape effectively! 📊

🔍Yesterday, President Klaus Iohannis requested a re-examination of the draft law (PL-x 255/2024). This draft includes an amendment that mandates prosumers to ensure energy storage by installing new equipment (batteries) using their own funds. President Iohannis emphasized that while ensuring energy storage is crucial, the current provisions are "inconvenient and inapplicable." This approach risks discouraging the adoption of photovoltaic panels and could hinder our progress toward promoting renewable energy solutions. 🚨 RPIA's concerns in this matter have been echoed, and we are hopeful for a balanced solution that addresses these challenges effectively. 🌱🔋

🚀 SolarPower Europe has released an essential position paper - Implementing the Reformed Electricity Market Design. The new rules aim to propel the EU solar market from 269 GW in 2023 to an ambitious 750 GW by 2030, aligning with REPowerEU targets. 🎯 🚩 EU national governments must now implement these new Electricity Market rules to achieve these goals. This paper is a one-stop-shop for understanding the technical aspects and recommendations from the solar sector: 🔹 Contracts for Difference 🔹 Power Purchase Agreements 🔹 Energy Sharing 🔹 Dedicated Metering Devices 🔹 Grid Connection Procedures & Hosting Capacity Maps 🔹 Flexible Grid Connection Agreements 🔹 Anticipatory Investments 🔹 Flexibility Needs Assessments It's a comprehensive guide for understanding and navigating the new Electricity Market rules: https://lnkd.in/gGJwMqhv.

🌟 It's time to reunite in full force! Like clockwork every two years, RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association orchestrates an event to reunite us all. 🤝 This year, we extend the invitation to all representatives of the energy sector, and key industries for a sustainable energy transition: IT, automotive, agriculture, and more. Join us at the 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭, organized together with RWEA - Romanian Wind Energy Association and in partnership with SolarPower Europe and WindEurope. 📅 Mark your calendars for 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 29-30 at the Globalworth Nord Events Center. Expect two days filled with meetings, panels, workshops, and exhibitions. 🚀 👉 We'll be joined by CEOs of major European associations and companies, plus distinguished guests from the European Commission, the Romanian Government, and ANRE. For partnerships, tickets, and updates, follow us at: https://lnkd.in/d_y9TDYu. Let’s connect, innovate, and energize the future together. See you there! ⚡🌞

🌍 Press Release: Urgent Request for Fair Access to Contracts for Difference (CfD) Mechanism The renewable energy associations RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association and RWEA - Romanian Wind Energy Association have issued a new press release urgently requesting that the authorities ensure fair access for the photovoltaic and wind industry to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanism. 🔓 Representing producers, developers, service providers, and equipment suppliers in the renewable energy sector, with a total installed power of over 5.5 GW, the two associations are calling for immediate action. Recent statements about the intention to alter the fair allocation originally proposed for the first auction under the CfD mechanism (1 GW solar, 1 GW wind) based on erroneous assumptions—specifically, the existence of projects financed from both the PNRR and the Modernization Fund—only reinforce these incorrect assumptions and compromise one of our few chances as a country to meet our European commitments. Moreover, such a late change, shortly before the launch, jeopardizes the viability and success of the entire scheme. 🚫⚖️ The RES associations stress the critical need for authorities to maintain a fair and balanced allocation to guarantee the success of renewable energy initiatives and to achieve national and European energy targets.

🌞 Happy #EuropeanSolarDay! 🌞 RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association has just lit up the solar energy scene with an incredible second edition of #SolarOpenDay, a staple event dedicated to advancing solar energy and sustainable production methods. Held at the largest photovoltaic park in Romania equipped with cutting-edge tracker technology, located in Părău, Brașov county, this edition showcased our unwavering commitment to sustainability.  🙌 Highlighting this commitment, attendees traveled to this landmark event aboard the iconic Sun Train, enhancing the solar experience of the day. 🚂 Co-owned by Econergy Renewable Energy Ltd. and the French investment company RGREEN INVEST, the Părău photovoltaic park marks a significant stride towards a green future. The project is set to power over 70,000 households with clean, affordable energy, marking a significant step in combating climate change with an estimated annual reduction of 6,800 tons of CO2 emissions. 🌱🏡 Solar Open Day II was honoured to host representatives from the Ministry of Energy, diplomatic corps, local authorities, business leaders, and industry experts. As part of a broader European celebration focused on education, we also welcomed students that are passionate about the energy field, recognizing the need for a skilled workforce to drive future photovoltaic projects. 🎓💼 The event was a true celebration of solar energy's transformative power, a great success that also perfectly coincided with the summer solstice. 🌅 Thank you to everyone who participated! We look forward to seeing you at the next edition.  🙌

🌞 Exciting News: Only 2 days left until Solar Open Day II. 🎉 RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association is thrilled to announce the second edition of #SolarOpenDay. Building on the success of last year’s event, we are continuing this tradition to promote solar energy and sustainable production methods. 📅 Date: June 20th (around the summer solstice, the longest and brightest day of the year) 📍 Location: Părău, Brașov County, home to a major photovoltaic park equipped with trackers This year, we gather to celebrate the transformative power and potential of the sun at the Părău PV park. Attendees will journey to this landmark event aboard the iconic Sun Train, reflecting our solar energy theme. 🚂💯 Spread over 116 hectares and estimated at EUR 65.6 million, this photovoltaic park, developed by Econergy Renewable Energy Ltd. and the French renewable energy investment fund RGREEN INVEST, generates electricity for approximately 70,000 homes annually with a total installed capacity of 92MW. 🔌 💡 The Părău PV park is more than an energy source; it's a strategic cornerstone in Romania's journey to energy independence, enhancing the local value chain, regional stability, and contributing to Europe’s sustainability goals. 🌏 This year's edition is organized under the umbrella of SolarPower Europe and is part of a series of similar activities across Europe, designed to educate and celebrate photovoltaic energy, contributing to a more sustainable future. 🔅✨

🚀 Another successful RPIA event completed! This week, RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association, in collaboration with RWEA - Romanian Wind Energy Association and energized by BCR, organized the third edition of its flagship event dedicated to green financing. This year’s edition, "Connecting the Financing Dots: Toward a Sustainable Path," delved into key areas in the RES sector, such as green finance in renewable energy production, non-reimbursable funds, financial instruments, state aid schemes, and more. 🔑 Key takeaways: 📌Romania has unparalleled access to over 15 billion EUR for RES development through the Modernisation Fund, NRRP, Just Transition Fund, and Sustainable Development Program. 📌Despite delays, we remain on track for the first CfD tender in 2024. 📌There is a need for increased administrative capacity and a mechanism to ensure transparency for awarded EU Funds projects. 📌Many companies in the renewable sector have satisfactory bankability, facilitating access to bank financing. 📌The number of PPAs in Romania is steadily increasing, making our country one of the most attractive markets in Europe for investors, ranking in the top 40 globally according to RECAI. 📌To leverage all opportunities, we need to boost energy consumption by supporting industrial sector development. The dialogue among stakeholders is active, and the outlook is optimistic for seizing the momentum and fully capitalizing on the financing opportunities available to Romania. We'll closely watch the developments that unfold in this area. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success! 🌱 

Yesterday, RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association had the opportunity to participate in the first edition of the Energyear Congress, where our Policy Officer, Irene M., moderated the panel discussion on Solar Energy 4.0: Exploring Innovations and Trends from Major Manufacturers. 💡 We are at a moment in time where the European Union's energy security and climate change ambitions converge into a single point: renewable energy - and solar has a major role to play: 320 GWac of new installations by 2025 and 600 GWac by 2030. As such, the panel explored the latest innovations in cell and module manufacturing, trackers, integrated MV solutions, and how we go from plan to park. Achieving the energy transition goals needs a concerted effort in knowledge sharing, technological exploration, reliability, cooperation, and ambition. As we navigate this journey, the prospects for renewable energy are not just bright; they are indeed sunny. 🌞 A heartfelt thank you to the organizers and panelists for their contributions to such dynamic discussions. Diana Plané, Antonio Robredo Arana, Jesus Prado, Alejandro Gonzalez García, Ciprian Bodiu, Ibrahim El-Said. 🙏🏼

Yesterday, RPIA - Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association had the opportunity to participate in an insightful session at the 2024 Romanian Solar Summit, organized by GOVNET Romania. RPIA's Executive Director, Andrei Manea, represented the association, offering valuable insights into the Romanian solar market. 🔆💡 Key takeaways from yesterday's discussion: 📌 Romania remains an attractive destination for investors, with a comparatively streamlined development process for PV panels. 📌 Market dynamics are evolving, with new drivers and players influencing its direction. 📌 Ensuring alignment between state targets, assumed commitments, and EU directives is essential. The transposition of the RED III directive is particularly significant, with a focus on accelerating project approval processes and implementing a one-stop-shop system. 📌 Authorities need to map the go-to areas and transpose the directive’s provisions by 2026. Special thanks to the organizers for the invitation and for their effective coordination of the event! 🙏