Due to the closure of inefficient industry after the fall of the Soviet Union, industry related emissions are 73% lower than in 1990. They have stabilised in the last decade, however, amounting to 26 MtCO₂e in 2019.3 This means that the industry sector accounts for 22% of overall emissions, split evenly between energy use and industrial processes.
Energy-related CO₂ emissions in Romania’s industry sector were 16 MtCO₂ in 2019, and to be to 1.5°C compatible, need to fall to 4-9 MtCO₂ by 2030. The bulk of these emissions reductions can be made through an increased uptake of renewables alongside the phasing out of coal. The Romanian Government has indicated it will finance the use of hydrogen in the industry sector, which can contribute to decarbonisation of the sector.2,10
1.5°C scenarios show emissions from industrial processes reduced to 3-9 MtCO₂e by 2030. These scenarios largely involve improvements in energy efficiency. The Romanian Government has identified the circular economy, i.e. through reducing energy consumption involved in the processing of raw materials, as an important part of reducing industry emissions.2 However, concrete actions remain lacking.
1 European Commission. Assessment of the final national energy and climate plan of Romania. 2020.
2 Government of Romania. National Energy and Climate Plan – Romania. 2020.
3 European Environment Agency. EEA greenhouse gases – data viewer. 2021.
4 International Energy Agency. IEA world energy balances, 2020. 2020.
5 European Environment Agency. Share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption. 2021.
6 European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Making the transition to zero-emission mobility: 2021 progress report. 2021.
7 Bankwatch Network. The Romanian renewable energy sector: a potential still untapped. 2020.
8 Romanian Government. National long-term renovation strategy. 2020.
9 Ministry of Public Works Development and Administration. Romanian national long-term renovation strategy: key elements. 2020.
10 Petre, G. Romania might become one of Europe’s biggest hydrogen hubs: investments of over 1,6 bn euros are in early stages of development. CEEnergy News. 2021.
11 Global Gas Plant Tracker, last updated August 2022, by Global Energy Monitor can be found here.
Romaniaʼs energy mix in the industry sector
petajoule per year
- Natural gas
- Coal
- Oil and e-fuels
- Biofuel
- Biogas
- Biomass
- Hydrogen
- Electricity
- Heat
Romaniaʼs industry sector direct CO₂ emissions (of energy demand)
MtCO₂/yr
- Historical emissions
- SSP1 High CDR reliance
- SSP1 Low CDR reliance
- High energy demand - Low CDR reliance
- Low energy demand
Romaniaʼs GHG emissions from industrial processes
MtCO₂e/yr
- SSP1 Low CDR reliance
- SSP1 High CDR reliance
- Low energy demand
- High energy demand - Low CDR reliance
- Historical emissions
1.5°C compatible industry sector benchmarks
Direct CO₂ emissions, direct electrification rates, and combined shares of electricity, hydrogen and biomass from illustrative 1.5°C pathways for Romania
Indicator | 2019 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 | Decarbonised industry sector by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Direct CO₂ emissions MtCO₂/yr | 16 | 4 to 9 | 1 to 3 | 0 to 1 | 2043 to 2044 |
Relative to reference year in % | −76 to −44% | −92 to −78% | −97 to −95% |
Indicator | 2019 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Share of electricity Percent | 29 | 30 to 37 | 48 to 53 | 60 to 65 |
Share of electricity, hydrogren and biomass Percent | 33 | 39 to 40 | 56 to 69 | 68 to 82 |