Romania

Green Hydrogen Vision

Romania envisions a future where green hydrogen is pivotal in transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. By leveraging its renewable energy potential and advancing hydrogen technologies, the country aims to decarbonize key industries, enhance energy security, and drive innovation. Romania’s strategy emphasizes the integration of hydrogen into energy systems, creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and environmental resilience. Through strong alignment with European objectives and fostering public-private partnerships, Romania aspires to position itself as a leader in the hydrogen economy, contributing to a cleaner and more competitive future. 

National Strategy

Romania's National Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030) aims to build a hydrogen economy with a focus on green and clean hydrogen. The strategy aligns with European and global decarbonization goals, emphasizing hydrogen's role in reducing emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as transport and industry. It includes objectives for integrating hydrogen into Romania's energy systems, supporting technological development, and ensuring energy security. 

Capacity Targets

• Romania targets 100 MW of electrolyser capacity by 2030, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) with €148 million allocated. 
• Production priorities include green hydrogen via renewable energy sources, with plans to reduce reliance on grey hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. 
• Future hydrogen ecosystems (H2 valleys) and additional renewable capacity will support the scalability of hydrogen production. 

Impact Targets

• Decarbonisation: Reduce CO₂ emissions in industries such as refining, chemical production, and steel manufacturing by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen. 
• Energy Transition: Hydrogen will replace 42% of industrial hydrogen consumption with renewable hydrogen by 2030. 
• Energy Efficiency: Accelerate the use of renewable energy while creating opportunities for hydrogen in energy storage, transport, and integration into grids. 

Policy and Project Spotlight

1. The Romanian Railway Reform Authority (ARF) has restarted a vital tender process to purchase 12 hydrogen fuel cell electric trains. This initiative aligns with the country's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). It supports ongoing efforts to upgrade Romania's rail infrastructure while incorporating more sustainable, eco-friendly technology into its transportation networks. 
    
2. Rompetrol Rafinare from Romania announced it is looking for a partner to build a green hydrogen electrolyser facility powered by renewable non-biological sources to be located at or near its Petromidia Refinery in Navodari, Constanta County This partnership includes a long-term off-take agreement where the chosen partner will be responsible for the financing, design, construction, and operation of the plant, as detailed in a call for offers published on the company's website on Thursday. The facility is expected to generate at least 11,000 tonnes of green hydrogen each year, requiring approximately 75 MW of renewable electrical power, which the partner must provide. 

Financing

Key funding sources include the Innovation Fund, Modernisation Fund, and Horizon Europe, alongside national contributions via the NRRP. 

The European Commission's REPowerEU initiative emphasizes joint procurement and investments in hydrogen to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. 

Industry partnerships and public-private collaboration are encouraged to leverage private sector investments and European support mechanisms. 

Government Green Hydrogen Lead

Ministry of Energy