RAISE Romanian American Institute for Smart Energy

Drilling is officially underway at the Neptun Deep offshore gas field, one of the EU’s Largest Offshore Gas Projects. This transformative €4 billion (~$4.3B) investment could double Romania’s natural gas production by 2027 and help Europe diversify away from Russian gas. Led by OMV Petrom (majority-owned by Austria's OMV) and state-owned S.N.G.N. Romgaz S.A., Neptun Deep is located in Romania’s Black Sea exclusive economic zone and holds an estimated 100 billion cubic meters of recoverable gas. Strategic Impact of the project: ✅ Will double domestic gas output ✅ Could make Romania a net gas exporter ✅ Supports the EU's goal of supply diversification ✅ Helps power Romania’s energy transition as coal is phased out 🇪🇺 Energy Security for the Region Romania currently produces just over 9 bcm/year, with consumption near 10 bcm—but that’s changing fast. With 3.5 GW of gas-fired power plants planned and coal being phased out, gas demand is projected to rise by 25% annually between 2025 and 2030. Yet, by 2027, the energy ministry Sebastian Burduja expects at least a 75% increase in domestic production, opening the door for strategic gas exports to Central and Eastern Europe. Experts estimate Romania could export 4 to 5 bcm annually—volumes that could significantly boost regional energy resilience. 🔧 The Transocean Barents semi-submersible mobile offshore drilling rig is currently drilling 10 wells in development, putting the project on track for first production in 2027. This is another significant step toward Romania becoming a regional provider of energy security, aligning with our mission to promote strategic, sustainable energy partnerships across the Atlantic. Sources: Reuters, BairdMaritime.com  📷: OMV/Romgaz #RAISE #NeptunDeep #Romania #BlackSeaEnergy #EnergySecurity #OMVPetrom #Romgaz #NaturalGas #EnergyTransition #EUenergy #RegionalLeadership #GreenFuture #InvestInRomania

Romania is taking a major step toward green energy leadership with the launch of Ro-HydroHub, a €140 million (approximately $152 million) hydrogen and new energy technologies center. This strategic project, financed through the Smart Growth, Digitalization, and Financial Instruments Program (PoCIDIF) 2021-2027, aims to modernize the energy sector and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future. Led by the National Institute for Research and Development of Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies – ICSI Râmnicu Vâlcea, in partnership with University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, the Technical University of Cluj Napoca, and nine private-sector partners, Ro-HydroHub aims to: - Develop technologies for hydrogen production, supply, and storage. - Create advanced solutions for fuel cells and electrolyzers. - Implement integrated hydrogen systems based on renewable sources. - Facilitate technology transfer to companies, accelerating industrial adoption of hydrogen-based technologies. - Train a new generation of specialists through master's and doctoral programs. The project has the EU backing, as negotiated with the European Commission. Ro-HydroHub is designed to be a new economic model for Romania, rooted in innovation, sustainability, and technological excellence. Hydrogen is a game-changer for Romania’s energy transition, offering a clean, scalable solution for decarbonization. Ro-HydroHub will serve as a national and European center of excellence, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to accelerate hydrogen adoption and drive Romania’s leadership in green energy technologies. Source:  FuelCEllsWorks.com 📷: Romanian Minister of Investments and European Projects #RAISE #Hydrogen #GreenEnergy #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #Innovation #RoHydroHub #Decarbonization #EnergyTech

The American-led Black Sea Oil and Gas (BSOG) and the MGD partners group celebrate  #1000days since they delivered the first molecule of gas from the Midia Gas Development (MGD) Project on the Black Sea to the Romanian National Transmission System (NTS)—a milestone in energy security and independence. To date, 3 cm of natural gas has been produced, with zero lost-time incidents and a $400M investment covering ~10% of Romania’s gas needs. The Midia Gas Development Project is a joint venture between Black Sea Oil & Gas (BSOG), backed by The Carlyle Group & EBRD, Petro Ventures Resources, and Gas Plus Dacia. It was a $400 million investment and covers approximately 10% of Romania's gas needs. This strategic partnership has strengthened Romania’s domestic energy production, reduced import dependency, and supported the country’s energy transition goals. Congratulations to BSOG and its partners for their contribution and commitment to a more secure energy future for Romania and the region. Source: Black Sea Oil & Gas SA https://lnkd.in/e4Wvn5BF #RAISE #EnergySecurity #Romania #NaturalGas #BSOG #BlackSea #Innovation #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #CarlyleGroup #EBRD 

The Trump administration's new 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada send shockwaves through the energy sector, affecting oil, renewables (especially wind), and energy security across North America. 🔹 Key Impacts: 📉 Oil Prices Hit a 3-Year Low: A surge in U.S. oil storage signals falling demand, while OPEC+ plans to unwind production cuts in July, adding further price pressure. ⚡ Retaliation from Canada: Canadian officials are increasing tariffs on power exports, which could increase electricity costs in both countries. 🌬 Wind Energy Costs to Rise: Mexico is the top exporter of wind energy components to the U.S., and tariffs will increase the cost of building wind farms—a significant setback for renewable energy expansion. Al Salazar, Director at Enverus Intelligence® Research, warns that if tariffs hold, global economic growth in 2025 will decline, impacting oil demand, investment, and energy security. The CEO of one of North America’s largest pipeline companies echoed concerns, predicting that tariffs will drive up energy prices across the U.S. and Canada. 🇷🇴 Romania’s Perspective:  While these tariffs directly impact North America, their ripple effects will be felt globally—including in Romania and the broader European energy market. 🔹 Oil Market Volatility & European Energy Prices: Romania, as the EU’s largest natural gas producer, must prepare for potential fluctuations in demand and pricing as global energy trade patterns shift. 🔹 Renewables Energy Investments & Supply Chain Disruptions: As a country actively expanding its wind and solar energy capacity, Romania could see new opportunities and risks if U.S. wind energy projects slow down due to higher import costs. Increased costs for renewable energy projects in the U.S. might redirect investment flows. 🔹 Strategic Positioning for Energy Security: As the U.S. and Canada reassess their energy policies, Romania and other EU nations must reinforce transatlantic partnerships to stabilize energy markets, accelerate clean energy transitions, and fortify their economic resilience against external shocks. At RAISE, we believe energy resilience and transatlantic collaboration are more crucial than ever. As tariffs disrupt supply chains and investment flows, fostering strategic partnerships and strengthening cross-border energy cooperation will ensure a stable, sustainable energy future. Sources: SEMAFOR, Reuters, Investopedia, MarketWatch   📷 : LinkedIn #RAISE #EnergySecurity #Tariffs #RenewableEnergy #OilMarket #USCanada #TradePolicy #Romania #TransatlanticPartnerships #SustainableEnergy

Romania’s significant potential in critical raw materials, essential for Europe’s energy transition and industrial supply chain security, was a central topic at the ZF Power Summit 2025 in Bucharest last week. With the Critical Raw Materials Act setting ambitious EU targets, Romania has the opportunity to position itself as a strategic supplier for key industries such as renewable energy, electric mobility, and digital infrastructure. Romania’s Critical Raw Material Reserves: ✅ Copper, silicon, graphite, and magnesium—out of the 34 critical raw materials identified by the EU. ✅ New investment opportunities in mining, processing, and recycling to maximize economic value and reduce Europe’s import dependence. Major Projects & Investments featured at the event: 📌 €448M Graphite Projects (Salrom): Plans to reopen Baia de Fier mines and develop high-quality graphite processing for battery and clean-tech industries–an area of strategic interest for U.S. electric vehicle and energy storage companies. 📌 $1B Magnesium Investment (Verde Magnesium): A U.S.-backed initiative to establish a mining and processing facility for magnesium, critical for energy storage, aerospace, and electric mobility—sectors where both the U.S. and EU are seeking supply chain diversification. 📌 Recycling & Circular Economy: The EU aims to extract 10%, process 40%, and recycle 25% of its critical raw materials by 2030—but Romania lags in e-waste recycling and material recovery, presenting opportunities for U.S.-EU collaboration in circular economy initiatives. This is important for both the U.S. and EU:  🔹 Strategic Autonomy: Reducing reliance on imports from third countries for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing is a shared priority for the U.S. and EU. Romania’s critical raw materials could be key in transatlantic energy and security partnerships. 🔹 Economic Growth & Supply Chain Resilience: The U.S. has prioritized securing alternative sources of critical materials—especially for EV batteries, semiconductors, and defense applications. Romania’s development of mining and processing capacity aligns with these efforts. 🔹 Investment & Technology Transfer: As American and European investors seek stable and sustainable supply chains, Romania presents new opportunities for public-private partnerships, technology exchange, and industrial expansion. Moving forward, to fully unlock Romania’s potential, the focus must shift from raw material extraction to high-value processing, innovation, and circular economy solutions. With U.S. and EU cooperation, Romania could become a major player in securing the resources needed for a greener, more resilient future. Source: Ziarul Financiar ZF.ro  #RAISE #Romania #CriticalRawMaterials #EnergyTransition #SustainableMining #Graphite #Magnesium #Investment #CircularEconomy #GreenEnergy #EUMiningStrategy

Last week’s "ZF Power Summit: Romania’s Energy Future" in Bucharest reinforced Romania’s strategic role in the evolving European energy landscape. Discussions centered around the growth of renewable energy, the importance of energy storage, the role of nuclear and natural gas in powering data centers, and the investment potential in key energy hubs like Mintia, Doicești, and Cernavodă.  Additionally, the summit highlighted Romania’s potential for critical raw materials, which are essential for energy transition and industrial growth. Main takeaways: ✅ Solar Energy is the Cheapest Option: Solar is the most affordable energy source, with a production cost as low as $0.04/kWh. Including battery storage, the cost rises to $0.06–$0.08/kWh, still significantly lower than nuclear ($0.12/kWh) or SMRs ($0.16–$0.18/kWh). ✅ Energy Storage is Critical: In Romania, hundreds of MW of storage capacity are under development to stabilize solar and wind variability and ensure a reliable power supply. ✅ Romania’s Gas Market is Expanding: Now the largest natural gas producer in the EU, Romania’s Black Sea gas resources offer energy security, though prices will remain aligned with international markets. ✅ Nuclear & Gas Power for Data Centers: With 50-60 data centers in Romania and demand growing, large-scale facilities need stable, uninterrupted power. Mintia, Doicești, and Cernavodă are emerging as prime locations for future investments. ✅ Strong Investor Interest: Romania is increasingly seen as a hub for renewable energy and digital infrastructure, with major stakeholders actively assessing the market. Romania holds significant copper, silicon, graphite, and magnesium reserves, which are key to the EU’s energy transition and industrial supply chain. The Critical Raw Materials Act underscores the importance of these resources in achieving Europe’s climate and digitalization goals. In conclusion, with Romania’s energy transition accelerating and critical raw materials gaining strategic importance, investment in green energy, storage, and resource processing will shape the next decade.  Source and photo: Ziarul Financiar (ZF) #RAISE #Romania #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #EnergyStorage #NuclearEnergy #DataCenters #Investment #EnergySecurity

Romania’s Energy Future: Advancing Nuclear & Renewables Amid Political Uncertainty Romania’s strategic energy projects—including nuclear expansion and renewable investments—are moving forward despite recent political tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Following Romania’s voided presidential election and U.S. criticism of European policies, concerns emerged over the future of U.S.-backed energy initiatives. However, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja reaffirmed on Monday, February 24, that these projects remain a priority and continue to align with U.S. and EU strategic interests. Key Energy Developments: - Two new 700 MW nuclear reactors (completion by 2032), supported by €3.2 billion in contracts with Fluor Corporation, Sargent & Lundy, and other U.S. firms. - Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) plant (expected by 2029) using NuScale Power technology, with financing from the U.S. EXIM Bank and the International Development Finance Corporation. - 3.5 GW of solar and wind projects launching this year, backed by €3 billion in EU Modernisation Fund support under the Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme. While political shifts in Washington and controversies over Romania’s election have fueled speculation about potential U.S. policy changes, these projects remain fundamental to regional energy security and economic growth. As geopolitical landscapes evolve, maintaining strong transatlantic energy cooperation will be critical. At RAISE, we continue to support Romania’s role as a key player in Europe's energy transition, ensuring long-term stability, sustainability, and innovation in the region. How do you consider that recent political dynamics will influence U.S.-Romania energy collaboration? Let’s discuss. Source: Reuters  Photo: Min. Burduja speaking at the P-TECC conference in Bucharest in July 2024, by RAISE #RAISE #EnergySecurity #Geopolitics #CleanEnergy #NuclearEnergy #Romania #USRomania #EnergyTransition #Investment #RAISE #RoAmInstituteforSmartEnergy #energy #business #Europe #CleanEnergy #SmartEnergy #RenewableEnergy #RomanianEnergy #RoUS #opportunities 

According to EY, Romania’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market closed in 2024 with 265 transactions totaling $6.6 billion. While deal volume increased by 10% compared to 2023, total deal value declined by $350 million. 🔹 Key Insights: ✅ Energy & utilities saw 52% growth, with renewable energy leading the surge. ✅ Real estate, hospitality & construction remained the most active sector, up 19.5%. ✅ Strategic investors dominated the market, accounting for 91% of all transactions. ✅ Manufacturing, logistics, and media sectors also recorded strong performance. ✅ Largest deal: The $768M sale of a 629 MW renewable energy portfolio by Evryo Group to PPC. What’s ahead? While short-term market shifts may influence 2025 activity, Romania’s strong energy sector, investment-friendly environment, and alignment with EU clean energy goals will continue to attract investors. As M&A activity in renewables accelerates, Romania is positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s energy transition. 📌 How do you see Romania’s energy sector shaping future investments? Source & photo: consultancy.eu #RAISE #RoAmInstituteforSmartEnergy #Romania #energy #business #Europe #CleanEnergy #SmartEnergy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #RomanianEnergy #RoUS #opportunities #Romania #MergersAndAcquisitions #Investment #RenewableEnergy #EconomicGrowth

🌟 A Huge Thank You to Inner Pride! 🌟 We are incredibly grateful to Inner Pride for their outstanding work on our branding! 🌍⚡ Their creative vision and strategic approach have helped shape an identity embodying sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration between Romania and the USA. 🇷🇴🤝🇺🇸 Your work has given RAISE a powerful voice in the mission for a cleaner, smarter energy future! 💡💚 Check out their fantastic work: inner-pride.com/work 🚀 #RAISE #innerpride #branding #thinkthank #energyfuture

Rareş Hurghiş, Ph.D., Executive Director of Future Energy Leaders Romania, examines the human capital behind the country's energy transition.    As a seasoned professional with a Ph.D. in Economics and recognition as a top emerging #talent in the global energy sector, he showcases the educational initiatives, training programs, and collaborative efforts preparing Romania's workforce for a sustainable energy future.    Learn more by accessing the Investor’s Guide here: https://lnkd.in/eYh9kw-X. #RAISE #EnergyEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #EnergyTaxation #EnergyInvestment #RomanianEnergy #EnergyStrategy #StakeholderManagement  #InvestmentInsights  #RenewableEnergy #GlobalPartnerships #SustainableFuture #EnergyHub #USRomania #InvestorGuide #InvestmentOpportunities #EnergyInnovation #CleanTech