The 13th edition of Brașov Energy Day took place on February 7-8, 2025, at Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to discuss the future of renewable energy and energy storage solutions in Romania.
One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the Local Info Days, held under the umbrella of COALition, a European initiative dedicated to energy transition and innovation in regions undergoing structural transformation. This session was organized in partnership with Mureș County Council, which plays a key role in supporting regional energy policies, and REPOM, a leading economic operator in the renewable energy sector, actively involved in facilitating the transition to green energy and developing regional energy hubs.
Local Info Days & COALition: Advancing Research and Innovation in Energy Transition
The third panel of the Energy Day Brasov conference, which started on February 7th, was dedicated to Local Info Days and the COALition project, showcasing innovative approaches to energy storage, sustainable development, and collaborative strategies for clean energy transition.
Similar concerns about the effects of renewables penetration in the energy transition
period were presented by CERTH which described the situation in Greece. Hydro pumping, batteries and H2 are the key energy technologies foreseen in Greek NECP and ambitious targets have been set. However, advanced technological solutions are needed to advance progress in the energy sector, and natural gas will continue to play a key role as a transition fuel. Phased implementation of combined Renewables and Thermal Storage systems, such as seasonal solar thermal storage technologies and heat pumps are the key technologies in the heating sector for the transformation of District Heating systems, according to a pre-feasibility study accomplished in Western Macedonia by EBRD
Key speakers in this session included:
● Maria Alina Ardelean, Development Director, REPOM – Keynote speaker on COALition
and energy transition strategies
● Panagiotis Grammelis, Research Director, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas
(CERTH) – Insights on CERTH’s role in developing innovative energy technologies
● Chrysovalantis Ketikidis, Senior Associate Researcher, CERTH/CPERI – COALition
project overview and key findings
● Kosyo Stoychev, PhD, Sofia University ”St. Kliment Ohridski” Department of Regional Geography and Policy – Outcomes of a joint European research strategy
● Dr. Cristian-Dragoș Dumitru, Associate Professor, University of Medicine, Pharmacy,
Science, and Technology ”George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș – The Organic Rankine
Cycle for solar energy storage and power applications
● Codruța Togan, Public Manager, Mureș County Council – Climate neutrality and the
role of Mureș County in the COALition project
● Andrei Ceclan, Energy Consultant, Co-founder of Servelect – Strengthening regional
innovation ecosystems for energy transition.
The discussions emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, technological
advancements, and financing mechanisms in the transition to a more resilient and
decentralized energy system. The COALition project serves as a platform for knowledge
exchange, best practices, and scalable solutions that support regions in shifting towards
sustainable energy models.
REPOM – A Key Player in the Green Energy Transition
As a key partner of the event, REPOM is a major economic operator in Romania’s renewable energy sector, specializing in the operation, management, and optimization of renewable energy assets. Through its expertise, REPOM actively supports the transition to green energy and the development of regional energy hubs, helping to create a more decentralized and efficient energy infrastructure.
Workshops & Technical Sessions – February 8
On February 8, three technical workshops provided participants with hands-on knowledge about energy storage solutions and financing strategies:
1️. Innovative Technologies for Solar Energy Storage and Conversion – Led by UMFST ”George Emil Palade” of Târgu Mureș, the session focused on thermal energy storage using materials like water and sand and the application of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems for decentralized power generation.
2️. Financial Models for Energy Storage Investments – Led by TDP Partners, this session explored investment modelling, financing options (grants, loans, PPAs), and optimal business strategies for storage solutions.
3️. Commercial Operation and Financing of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – Hosted by EY International, Banca Transilvania, and REPOM, this workshop covered financial performance modelling, technical and commercial operation aspects, and funding perspectives for stand-alone and co-located storage projects.
With its 13th edition, Brașov Energy Day has reaffirmed its status as a key forum for the energy industry in Romania, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and groundbreaking solutions for a sustainable future.
Comments