Legal and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Exploitation in Romania

Abstract

At present, the Romanian legislation is harmonized with European Union principles and supports renewable energies, among which geothermal is specifically mentioned. In 2003, the Romanian Government approved the “Strategy for the development of renewable energy sources”, which sets short and medium term targets in accordance with the EU principles and directives. The Kyoto objectives imply for the European Union, between 2008 and 2012, a reduction by 8% of the greenhouse gases emission compared to the 1990 level (corresponding to about 600 million tons per year of CO2 equivalent). The European Council Resolution on renewable energies of 8 June 1998 seeks a doubling of the share of renewables from 6% at present to 12% in 2010. These targets have also been assumed by Romania, before joining the European Union in 2007. The European Renewable Energy Roadmap adopted in 2007, which defines clear targets and goals to reach a 20% contribution of renewable energy to the energy mix by the year 2020, has also been adopted by Romania and included in the Energy Strategy for the 2007- 2020 period.