Romania

Strategia Nationala a Hidrogenului

The National Hydrogen Strategy and Action Plan for Romania focuses on establishing a comprehensive framework to develop a hydrogen economy by 2030. It aims to leverage hydrogen as a key element in achieving decarbonisation targets, enhancing energy security, and fostering technological innovation. It emphasises the importance of green hydrogen produced from renewable sources and clean hydrogen from nuclear energy, detailing the necessary infrastructure, market mechanisms, funding sources, and legislative changes required to support these goals. The strategy is structured to provide a clear roadmap for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring that Romania can effectively transition to becoming a sustainable hydrogen economy. The estimated cost of implementing this strategy is €4.75 billion.

PRODUCTION

Romania's existing hydrogen production primarily relies on steam methane reforming (SMR) and catalytic reforming, with a smaller contribution from water electrolysis. The strategy emphasises transitioning from grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas without carbon capture) to renewable hydrogen (produced via electrolysis using renewable energy). By 2030, the goal is to install 2.1 GW of electrolysis capacity, requiring additional renewable energy capacity of 4.2 GW. The strategy also highlights the need for significant investments in production technologies and infrastructure to achieve competitive hydrogen production costs.

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

The strategy outlines the development of hydrogen transport and distribution infrastructure, including the adaptation of existing natural gas networks to accommodate hydrogen blending. Approximately 70% (~60,000km) of Romania's natural gas distribution network is already made of polyethylene, which is compatible with hydrogen. The plan includes the creation of hydrogen valleys - geographically concentrated areas that integrate production, storage, distribution, and consumption. These valleys will facilitate the development of a hydrogen economy by reducing investment risks and leveraging synergies.

TRADE

Romania, along with Bulgaria and Greece, is part of the HI East priority corridor for hydrogen and electrolysis. This corridor benefits from its geographical proximity to North Africa and the Middle East, facilitating future imports of renewable hydrogen by sea or through submarine pipelines. The estimated hydrogen demand for this corridor is 53 TWh per year by 2030, increasing to 179 TWh annually by 2040 and 260 TWh annually by 2050. Correspondingly, the estimated production is 22.1 TWh annually by 2030, rising to 151 TWh annually by 2040 and 183 TWh annually by 2050. This strategic positioning aims to meet growing hydrogen demand and enhance regional energy security. 

The strategy proposes the development of hydrogen valleys. These valleys will serve as hubs for hydrogen innovation and deployment, facilitating the development of a hydrogen economy by reducing investment risks and leveraging synergies across the value chain.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The strategy emphasises the importance of research and development in advancing hydrogen technologies. It calls for the establishment of dedicated R&D programs and partnerships between academia, industry, and government. Key areas of focus include improving electrolysis efficiency, developing hydrogen storage solutions, and exploring new hydrogen applications. The strategy also highlights the need for skilled workforce development through educational programs and training initiatives.

CROSS-CUTTING

The strategy proposes creating a favourable investment climate through subsidies, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships. It also emphasises the importance of aligning national policies with European directives and leveraging EU funding mechanisms. Additionally, the strategy calls for the development of certification schemes for renewable hydrogen to ensure market transparency and consumer trust.

END-USES

Mobility

The transport sector will see hydrogen used in various applications, including fuel cell vehicles, buses, and trains. The strategy plans to develop infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations along major transport corridors. By 2030, the goal is to use 72,400 tons of renewable hydrogen in the transport sector, contributing to the decarbonisation of public transport, heavy-duty trucks, and rail transport. 

The strategy includes plans for using hydrogen in the aviation sector, both for refining sustainable aviation fuels and for powering airport vehicles.  By 2030, hydrogen will contribute to the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, helping to meet the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation targets.

Industry

Hydrogen will play a significant role in decarbonising existing industrial processes and introducing new applications. The strategy aims to replace grey hydrogen with renewable hydrogen in sectors like refining, chemical production, and steel manufacturing. By 2030, the goal is to consume 57,000 tons of renewable hydrogen in existing industries and 23,700 tons in new industrial processes, such as steel production using Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technologies.

Heating

Hydrogen will be blended with natural gas to reduce carbon emissions in residential heating. The strategy envisions using hydrogen in existing natural gas networks, with a focus on areas with high gas consumption. This approach aims to leverage the existing infrastructure while gradually increasing the hydrogen blend to achieve significant emission reductions

Energy

The energy sector will use hydrogen for energy storage and grid balancing. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources will be stored and used to generate electricity during peak demand periods, enhancing the stability and flexibility of the energy grid. The strategy also includes plans for using hydrogen in combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) and cogeneration plants (CHP) to reduce carbon emissions.