Energy

Efficiency in Europe
Assessment of Energy Efficiency Action Plans and
Policies in EU Member States
2013

Country Report
ROMANIA

SURVEY REPORT
Progress in energy efficiency policies
in the EU Member States the experts perspective

Findings from the Energy Efficiency Watch Project

2012

Christiane Egger (O.. Energiesparverband)

Introduction

Summary Assessment
This report is one of 27 country reports published within the Energy-Efficiency-Watch project
and assesses both ambition and quality of EU Member States energy efficiency action plans
and p olicy implementation (see more at www.energy-efficiency-watch.org).
Both the EEW-expert survey as well as the NEEAP screening concur in their conclusion that the
Romanian energy efficiency policy has great potential for improvements and could be
strengthened in many respects. The last three years witnessed only little progress in energy
efficiency policy and the NEEAP screening identifies the greatest policy gaps in the field of
appliances and the transport sector.
The Romanian governance framework for energy efficiency has largely been driven by EU
accession. M ost of the strategic documents were adopted d uring the accession phase and have
set targets for 2015. The national energy strategy covers the timeframe 2007-2020 and
contains some targets for energy efficiency. A clear overall target for the mid and the long term
is, however, missing.

Sectoral Assessment

The sectoral assessment of policies is as follows:

In a sectoral perspective, Romania has identified the great savings potential in the buildings
sector and h as set up a range of economic incentives for improving energy efficiency.
Amongst others, support is provided for thermal insulation; structural funds are used for
improving efficiency in buildings. In addition, aid for heating, an incentive for using more
energy, has been eliminated. Demonstration projects, information and communication are
barely d escribed in the NEEAP.
The policy package for industry covers many aspects. Amongst others, long term agreements
with industry are planned, following the example of the Netherlands. The policy package for
industry furthermore comprises standards (Ecodesign), economic incentives and training
activities. The economic incentives are to a large extent based on EU or EBRD funding.
In most sectors, EU legislation seems to have been the main driving force. This is particularly
evident in the field of appliances where the Ecodesign and the energy labelling Directive are
the main measures. The policy package such as described in the NEEAP lacks in particular
economic instruments and information tools.
It should b e noted that the economic recession of 2008 and 2009 has considerably impacted
Romanian energy efficiency policy. The p ublic b udget and also spending on energy efficiency
had b een significantly reduced.
The energy efficiency policy can be considered to be rather weak based on both the NEEAP
assessment and the expert survey. Improvements could be the following:

Conclusions

The Romanian energy efficiency policy is not overly ambitious yet. All policy packages can be
strengthened
In the residential sector, it is recommended to improve advice, information and
communication. In this context, it is also advisable to implement demonstration projects and
define a roadmap for the tightening of minimum energy performance standards
It is advised to complement the policy package for appliances with economic instruments and
information tools
In the field of industry it is recommended to put particular emphasis on obligations or
commitments for energy auditing, energy management or technology phase-out
Good practice: Commercial companies, as well as the local and central public administrative
units owning more than 25 vehicles, have the obligation to develop monitoring and
management programs for the fuel consumption of the own car fleet. As well the elimination
of an aid for heating which sets incentives for using more energy is a goo improvement.


2

Screening of the NEEAP

Overarching Energy Efficiency Governance Framework

Comprehensiveness of policy package

The national energy strategy sets targets for
2020 but not a general energy efficiency target
for the whole country

long-term strategy

Long-term EE target(s) and

strategy

other actors involved

Involvement of non-governmental
and market actors, and sub-
national authorities

Local authorities are involved in energy

efficiency policy;

energy-agencies

Energy agencies and climate

protection agencies

Energy agencies have been established at local,

regional and national level.

coordinaZon/nancing

EE mechanisms for overall

coordination and financing

energy services

Favourable framework conditions

for energy services

horizontal measures

ESCOs are promoted

Romania makes use of EU funds to finance

energy efficiency;
It is unclear how all financing activities are
coordinated
It is planned to define the legal frame for energy
services, promote ESCOs and draft standard
documents
Long term agreements with industry are
planned;

Horizontal measures

The taxation of gas is slightly above the

minimum rate

MRV
Monitoring, reporting and
verification

A MRV scheme based on top-down measures is

used

Public Sector
Comprehensiveness of policy package
Public sector strategy

The strategy of the public sector is not clearly

described
Promotion of energy service contracts are
planned

public sector strategy

Reducing public lighting consumption in place

Role model, transparency, and
demonstration

role model

Bigger public administrations must develop

energy efficiency improvement plans
Associations for energy efficiency were instated in
many counties
Obligation for administrations to develop
monitoring and management programs for vehicle
fuel consumption

public procurement

public buildings

Public procurement

adequacy of package

Public buildings
Adequacy of policy package

Public procurement is mentioned but not clearly

described
Use of EU funds for retrofitting of public buildings
Promotion of energy service contracts
Supply and demand side as well as potentials are
partly considered

Residential Sector - Buildings

MEPS

Comprehensiveness of policy package

other regulaZons

Minimum Energy Performance

Standards (MEPS)

economic incenZves

Other regulations

Major renvoations must take performance

improvement into account
MEPS are not clearly described.
Construction permits for buildings require the
elaboration of a study regading the possibility of
using efficient alternative systems
Support for thermal insulation

nancing instruments

Economic incentives

Elimination of aid for heating

Use of structural funds

EPCs

Financing instruments

Bank credits with governmental warranty

advice and audits

Energy performance certificates

(EPCs)

An energy performance certificate scheme has

been implemented (MURE)

Energy advice and audits

Certification of specialists as energy auditors for

buildings

Information tools

Information and education programmes for

building owners will be organised

Demonstration projects

Not included

Education and training for

stakeholders

Information and eductaion programmes for

building owners will be organised

informaZon

demonstraZon

educaZon and training

Adequacy of policy package

adequacy of package

Energy saving potential of the buildings sector

considered
Demand and supply side of energy efficiency
markets considered

Residential Sector - Appliances

MEPS

Comprehensiveness of policy package

economic incenZves

Minimum Energy Performance

Standards (MEPS)

The Ecodesign Directive has been implemented

Economic incentives

Not included
EU energy label implemented

energy labels

Energy labels

The voluntary Energy Star label for office

equipment is promoted

informaZon tools

Information tools

Not included

educaZon and training

Education and training for retail

staff and other supply chain
actors

Seminars on the use of appliances were organised

within a project

adequacy of package

Adequacy of policy package

The policy package is almost exclusively based on

EU measures
Economic incentives and information tools are
lacking

Industry and Tertiary Sector

Comprehensiveness of policy package

Standards

Standards for
equipment, production
process, products

ES&A targets

ObligaZons

The Ecodesign Directive has been implemented

Energy savings and

action targets for
individual companies

Long term agreements with industry are planned

Obligations /
commitments

Not included

economic incenZves

Funding is available through the Romanian Fund for Energy

Efficiency;

Economic incentives

EU funds are available for financing investment projects.

tradable permits
Tradable permits

energy taxaZon

EU ETS

Energy or CO2 taxation

energy labelling

Energy labelling

adequacy of package

Adequacy of policy
package

The minimum rate is applied for electrictiy;

The taxation of gas is above the minimum rate
Partly included in all M S due to EU energy labelling
regulation.
The policy mix is rather balanced;
The supply and demand side are addressed

Transport Sector
Comprehensiveness of policy package
Several action plans, investments in rail, action plan for
sustainable urban mobility

planning instruments

Planning instruments

regulatory instruments

Regulatory instruments

EU directives and innovative approach with company

obligations

Economic incentives

Only one incentive mentioned

Information and advice

No specific measures mentioned; labelling

R&D support

Participation of local authorities in EU programmes; no

further information

economic incenZves

informaZon

R&D support

adequacy of package

Adequacy of policy
package

Policy package is not sufficient; public authorities (also PT

operator) have ambitious targets but only little regulatory
and economic incentives are in place

Findings from the Expert Survey

In 2011 and 2012, Energy-Efficiency-Watch
conducted a quantitative and qualitative survey
with national experts on implementation of energy
efficiency policies in EU Member States.
More than two thirds of the respondents (in total
21 questionnaires were completed for Romania)
rate the overall ambition of the Romanian energy
efficiency policies as generally low or perceive
ambitious policies only in a few sectors. More than
70% consider that only a few additional policies
were set up in the past three years or see no or
very little progress. More than 60% of the experts
expect that the national ESD target will not be
reached or, if reached, that it will not lead to much
additional savings. With regard to the most
important gaps in energy efficiency policy
respondents pointed to all sectors, hence no sector
can be singled out as the one with the biggest gaps.
The greatest barrier to energy efficiency is clearly
financing according to more than 60% of the
experts.

Romania: overall ambiUon of the

energy eciency policies
5%
30%

25%

40%
generally, rather low
ambiZous in a few sectors, less so in most others
ambiZous in a range of sectors, less so in a few others
generally, rather high

As positive developments the experts noted that the relevant EU legislation was transposed thus providing
a stronger legislative framework and that some funding mechanisms are available.
On the negative side it was stated that the public sector lacks staff in the field of energy efficiency and that
the setting up of the right institutional framework is still a challenge. Furthermore funding for energy
efficiency measures is generally considered insufficient.
The public sector disposes of very limited financial resources for investing in energy efficiency; measures
foreseen in the legislation and action plans can not be implmented due to lack of budgets.
Some financial programmes are available in the residential sector; these include tax reductions as well as
financial suport for the renovation of multi-family buildings. Regarding the industry sector, experts report
that there is a legal requirement for carrying out regular energy audits.
The respondents to the survey refer to some initiatives relating to energy efficiency in transport; a main
challenge is public transport which according to the respondents has deteriorated.
Questioned about their views on d ifferent policy instruments, experts pointed to energy audits (57 % partly
or very effective) and qualification, accreditation and certification schemes (52 % partly or very effective) as
the most effective instruments.

Romania: achievement of naUonal energy savings target

target will not be achieved

10%
5%
19%

52%

target will be achieved but will not lead to a lot of

addiZonal savings
target will probably be achieved
target will certainly be achieved

14%

not aware of energy savings target

Good Practice Examples

The public sector of the Romanian NEEAP shows balanced results but can be considered as good practice
example in the case of role model. Here, reduction of public lighting consumption and the obligation for
bigger public administrations to develop energy efficiency improvement plans are good measures.
Associations for energy efficiency were instated in many counties which can strengthen energy efficient
development. As well a promotion of energy service contracts is planned.

Apart of obligation measures the industry and tertiary sector shows balanced results due to implemented
EU requirements. Few measures go beyond EU regulation which should be considered to further
strengthen this sector. Here, several NEEAPs can give orientation for improvement. For instance in France
an agreement focus on the remove of the least-efficient light bulbs earlier than scheduled from the market.
One strength is of course the use of other measures, e.g. education, capacity building and energy audits.
Good practice examples are given by Austria, Estonia and Finland, where educational measures play an
important role. Some countries provide strong financial support in the industry sector. This includes
subsidies and tax incentives, which are especially prominent in the NEEAPs of France, Germany and UK,
where different funds for research and innovation on energy saving technologies, implementation of
energy saving measures and support for audits are in place.

The transport sector shows one good measure (planning instruments) but as well weaknesses (i.e.
economic incentives, information, and R&D support) which should be improved. Good practice examples
can be found in Finnish and Slovenian NEEAPs. Finland has implemented a policy package for the transport
sector, which utilizes the complete set of instruments to achieve energy efficiency. One overarching goal of
the policy package is the induction of a modal shift by making public transport, cycling and walking more
attractive. Finland also makes use of regulatory measures. Among these is the introduction of a general
speed limit and mandatory tyre-pressure checks twice a year. In Finland vehicle tax rates are dependent on
the cars emissions. The expansion of public transport systems is financially supported e.g. by funding the
construction of right-of-way lanes for buses and subsidized tickets. Various measures aim to give guidance
through information. Among these is the inclusion of energy-efficient driving in the curricula of drivers
education. A good practice example from Slovenia is to link the subsidy for public transport providers to
the number of km travelled by passengers and n o longer to the n umber of km travelled on the road.

Disclaimer
The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the
opinion of the European Union. Neither the EACI nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that
may be made of the information contained therein. The analysis performed here is based almost exclusively on the
information provided in the NEEAPs. Consequently, a low score for any of the criteria analysed could also be the
result of a NEEAP lacking detailed information. The purpose of this assessment is not an absolute ranking among
Member States but is focusing on each Member States individual conditions.

The Project
In 2006, the European Union adopted the Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services ("ESD"). The
Directive sets an indicative energy saving target of 9 % by 2016 as well as obligations on national authorities
regarding energy savings, energy efficient procurement and the promotion of energy efficiency and energy
services. It requires Member States to submit three National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAPs), scheduled for
2007, 2011 and 2014.
The Energy-Efficiency-Watch Project aims to facilitate the implementation of the Energy Service Directive and the
Energy Efficiency Directive. This Intelligent Energy Europe project tried to portray the progress made in
implementation of energy efficiency policies since the Energy Service Directive via NEEAPs screening and an
extensive EU wide expert survey.
www.energy-efficiency-watch.org

The Authors
Ralf Schle, Thomas Madry, Vera Aydin, Jonas Fischer, Jan Kaselofsky, Thorsten Koska, Carolin Schfer- Sparenberg,
Lena Tholen (Wuppertal Institute)
Daniel Becker, Nikolas Bader (Ecofys)
Christiane Egger (O.. Energiesparverband)
with contributions by
Reinhold Priewasser, Michaela Kloiber (University of Linz) Nils Borg (eceee),
Dominique Bourges (Fedarene), Peter Schilken (Energy Cities)

List of Abbreviations
EE Energy Efficiency, EED Energy Efficiency Directive, EPC Energy Performance Certificates, EPDB Energy
Performance of Buildings Directive, ES&A Targets - Energy Savings and Action Targets, ESCO Energy Service
Company, ESD Energy Service Directive, EU European Union, EEW Energy-Efficiency-Watch, MEPS Minimum
Energy Performance Standards, MRV Monitoring, Reporting and Verification, MURE Mesures dUtilisation
Rationelle de lEnergie, NEEAP National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, R&D Research and Development
Photography Credits: PhotoDisc, iStock, www.openclipart.org