Romanian Energy Minister: “We look forward to the establishment of an energy bridge with Baku”

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has shown significant progress in the fight against climate change since the first days of its work: a historic consensus was reached on one of the most difficult topics. , Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Conference participants, including heads of state, ministers, representatives of international NGOs and young eco-activists, highlight the high-level organization of the event and the COP29 president’s commitment to achieving long-term results on climate issues.

Among the participants is the Romanian Minister of Energy, Sebastian-Ioan Burduja. In an interview with “Report”, he shared his expectations regarding COP29, energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania, as well as the creation of the “green energy” corridor, the “Black Sea Energy” project and other initiatives.

– What are your expectations from the COP29 climate conference? What can you say about the presidency of Azerbaijan and the efforts of the international community at the conference dedicated to combating climate change?

– I can safely say that the conference is held at a very convenient time. We had high hopes for this event and Azerbaijan exceeded all expectations thanks to its high-level organization. On this occasion, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and I congratulate my colleague, the country’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov.

At COP29, it seems that all participants are involved in both organizational issues and effective climate negotiations. I can only imagine what a challenge it was to welcome more than expected, more than 70,000 people.

The entire world is closely following the events unfolding in Baku and asking: “What actions will leaders take? Will they be able to move from words to concrete decisions on climate finance?” As a result, citizens expect lower prices for energy and utilities, and businesses expect more competitive energy. This is exactly what we need to achieve.

COP29 offers a unique opportunity for Romania to sign contracts for the construction of two large nuclear reactors, as well as two additional reactors in Chernivtsi. These projects, scheduled for completion in 2032, will guarantee the production of 1,400 megawatts of clean energy. This is a responsible step forward.

Therefore, Baku will always be associated with important events and great successes for me. Our citizens need concrete investments and financing. We move from words to real actions.

– With the bottom of the Black Sea. “green energy” cable laying At what stage is the implementation of the project and according to the results of the initial feasibility study, what is the cost of this initiative?

– First of all, it should be noted that this is a very important project for all of us: Azerbaijan, Romania, Georgia and Hungary. This cable can be called Azerbaijan’s gateway to Europe. I want you to consider Romania as your most reliable partner in our region. I believe that our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan within the EU began in 2009.

For Romania, the “green corridor” is a matter of energy security, as the project diversifies our energy routes. It is also environmentally friendly and cheaper energy. The more we can develop energy routes, the cheaper energy will be. This, in turn, is important for our citizens who want companies to be competitive and their standard of living high.

We held an interdepartmental meeting where Chessy, the project development contractor, presented additional results. We are also considering the possibility of using fiber optic cable.

Bulgaria is in the process of joining this initiative and Moldova is also interested in the project.

It is still too early to talk about exact figures. I think we’re talking several billion, but there’s no definitive estimate yet. The point is, no matter the cost, energy security cannot come with a price. Therefore, I hope that all four states will fund the project.

I also hope that the European Commission will participate in the financing, because, as you know, this initiative was launched in December 2022 in Bucharest with the presence of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Even yesterday, in the meeting with the EU, I asked for a solution and the necessary financing.

– An agreement on gas supply was signed between Azerbaijan and Romania. Has this contract been extended for the next autumn-winter season? How do you generally assess cooperation with Azerbaijan in this area?

– Officially we haven’t done it yet. But based on all our conversations with my colleague during my last visit to Baku, it is more formal in nature.

In fact, the extension of the contract will occur when the need arises. Currently, Romania supplies its own consumption through gas production in the onshore and coastal area. In 2027, we plan to double production thanks to the “Neptune Deep” project in the Black Sea. If necessary, we can always count on your country as a reliable partner. We are sure that we can continue to trust Azerbaijan, just as Azerbaijan can trust Romania.

– Can you share your opinion on the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania in the field of renewable energy sources?

– We have overlapping goals. Romania is installing numerous photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. In total, we are currently financing about 10,000 megawatts that will be built within three to five, maybe six years.

I know that Azerbaijan has equally ambitious plans. So I think there are a lot of opportunities to apply best practices here. Additionally, we are the first country to pass legislation on offshore wind energy. This will help attract investments. We hope to secure the first concessions in the Black Sea at the end of next year, which will allow us to have the first wind farms here in 2032.

Once again, there are opportunities for cooperation with Azerbaijan for joint efforts on common supplies. This includes a series of issues such as cost reduction and the construction of this energy bridge. This is our dream: to create an energy bridge between Baku and Bucharest.

– Do you mean buying “green energy” from Azerbaijan and exporting it to third countries?

– This, in addition to the energy we produce on site, will be produced here in Azerbaijan. The main objective of the Energy Corridor is to provide access to environmentally friendly “clean energy” on both sides of this bridge.

– Is the project to build a liquefied natural gas terminal in the port of Constanta with the participation of Azerbaijan still relevant?

– I think it would be a very popular project. We talked about this last time. I know we already have a feasibility study, so we understand what the project entails.

All that remains is to find suitable sources of financing. This project complements the “Vertical Corridor” and many other initiatives. At the same time, it allows Azerbaijan to effectively utilize resources that likely have a limited window of opportunity.

The world is phasing out fossil fuels. Coal is being replaced and gas is becoming an important transitional energy source. Nuclear energy can be the solution in the medium and long term. At the same time, Romania fully and unconditionally supports this project; We just need to provide financing.

I think the most expensive part of the project is related to the infrastructure between Azerbaijan and Georgia. This is the key to its successful implementation. Personally, I fully support this project.