There are growing fears of a blackout if coal-fired power plants are withdrawn too quickly.

• Romania's Energy Minister warns of risk of power outages if coal-fired power plants are shut down prematurely.
• Minister Bogdan Ivan noted that the government had presented studies indicating the risk of loss of stability of the power system.
• Especially during the winter months when energy production from renewable sources is low.

Romania could face energy poverty and even power outages if coal-fired power plants are closed before the new gas-fired plants in Iernut and Mintia are completed, Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan said in an interview with Digi24 on September 18.

He also pointed out that Romania had formally asked the European Commission to extend the deadline for phasing out coal.

Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan noted that the government had presented studies indicating the risk of loss of stability of the power system, especially in the winter months, when energy production from renewable sources is low.

“We have clearly shown how Romania can fall into energy poverty and even blackout if it closes these power plants, especially in winter when we have no solar or wind energy,” Ivan pointed out.

Romania aims to maintain the operation of its coal-fired power plants. They would remain in operation until the construction of new gas-fired power plants is completed .

"Our simulations assume at least two years of maintenance for these power plants. The target is 2029. We expect a response from the European Commission by the end of the week," said Bogdan Ivan.

Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan has been pointing to two strategic directions for some time now: maintaining mining operations and coal-fired power plants until new gas-fired power plants are launched , and obtaining European funds for the economic diversification of mining regions.