Romania’s climate policy is strongly influenced by the European Union’s objectives to reduce emissions and achieve climate neutrality. By adopting the National Long-Term Strategy (LTS), Romania has committed to achieve a net emission reduction of 99% in 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
This study assesses the most recent draft version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) by addressing three key questions: 1) How adequate are the proposed measures to achieve the emission reduction targets? 2) How robust is the evidence base for the proposed measures? 3) To what extent have stakeholders been involved in the development of the plan
The assessment is based on four groups of key performance indicators (KPIs): data, modelling and science; stakeholder engagement; the five dimensions of the NECP; and equitable transition and socio-economic impact.
Following the assessment, it can be concluded that the draft version is limited by a lack of holistic perspective, transparency and references to scientific literature. It does not incorporate enhanced climate objectives under the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) and the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry Regulation (LULUCF). The differentiation of emissions under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and ESR is missing, as well as detailed implementation plans. Sector specific measures, the use of renewable energy in industry and buildings and decarbonisation measures for the transport sector are also not sufficiently detailed. The draft does not fully comply with the requirements of the revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) or specify the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) target on renewable fuels. It shows a lack of ambition in terms of long-term renovation strategies and overall emission reductions, with no explicit plans to reduce gas consumption or improve energy storage. In addition, the document does not contain concrete measures to support research and innovation in renewable energy technology and adaptation to climate change. There is no mention of addressing impacts on social groups, health, education or regional development.
To increase the effectiveness and impact of the NECP, the following recommendations should be considered: (1) Increase the level of ambition of key targets such as solar and wind capacity development, grid-scale storage solutions, smart grid and CCS technologies; (2) Mandate the use of heat pumps in renovated buildings and extend renovation rates by 2% annually; (3) Upgrade airport infrastructure, create green shipping corridors, implement low emission zones, align industrial strategy with climate targets; (4) Creating the incentive framework for afforestation and reforestation, sustainable aviation fuels, allocating funds for research and development, promoting public-private partnership and developing a medium term investment strategy; (5) Clarifying institutional responsibilities and ensuring effective and transparent governance, involving stakeholders and empowering consumers; (6) Analyse the socio-economic impacts and extend just transition measures to all affected sectors by creating green jobs programs, supporting affected workers and addressing energy poverty; (7) Conduct a climate vulnerability analysis with performance indicators to monitor implementation progress.
Ioana Vasiliu, EPG Senior Researcher
Ioana works as a Senior Researcher within the Clean Economy Programme of EPG. She holds a bachelor degree in management for public administration and a post university diploma as expert for sustainable development both from the Economic Academy of Bucharest.
Before joining EPG, Ioana worked for Romanian Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests as european affairs advisor within Climate Strategies and Reporting Department.
Over the last years, she has been involved in addressing climate change at national level, by developing policies and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects and impacts of climate change.
At international level she acted as rapporteur for climate change adaptation policies and NECP, is member of UNFCCC expert roster and coordinated Romania’s accession process to the OECD, in the field of climate change.
Contact: ioana.vasiliu@enpg.ro