Wind Energy May Raise Romania’s Electricity Prices By 2% In 2011

"For 2011, the influence of renewable energy might represent a 2% growth in the final price of electricity," Lungu told a news conference Wednesday.

He added that next year's energy production from renewable resources is seen at 1.5 TWh.

According to him, the renewable energy's influence over the electricity price increased from 0.02 lei (EUR1=RON4.2744) in 2005, to RON1.21 per MWh in 2009. In 2010, it rose to RON2.85/MWh.

"The renewable energy is a necessity on long-term, given that the conventional power resources vanish," Lungu added.

Romania may attract investments of EUR7 to EUR9 billion in the renewable energy sector, said Gabriel Sidere, managing partner at international law firm CMS Cameron McKeena, during the same event.

"Romania currently has wind farms of 320 MW power. The issue is how we might reach 3.000 MW," Sidere said.

Marian Cernat, a manager in Romania's state-owned power grid operator Transelectrica (TEL.RO), said the company has to approve wind projects totaling more than 31,000 MW.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.