Participation in the Norwegian/Romanian Energy Forum: Promising opportunities for collaboration in sustainable energy

The participation of the Romanian Geoexchange Society (RGS) at the Norwegian/Romanian Energy Forum was a remarkable opportunity to promote collaborations in the field of sustainable energy between Norway and Romania. Having as a speaker Ms. Iulia Prodan, Director of European Projects at RGS, we had the privilege of bringing our contribution to this event of major importance.

The event highlighted four key areas of interest: Offshore Wind Energy, Hydrogen, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), and Geothermal Energy. These represent essential pillars in the transition to a greener future.

The rich agenda included captivating presentations and thematic sessions that highlighted the potential of collaboration between Romania and Norway in the field of renewable energy.

We thank the organizers, the Ministry of Energy and Norway Grants, for facilitating this exchange of ideas and experiences.

Event Agenda:

09:30 – 10:00 – Registration

10:00 – 10:20 – Welcome

Siri Barry, Ambassador of Norway to Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova

Cristian Bădescu, Ambassador of Romania to Norway

Dan Drăgan, State Secretary, Ministry of Energy of Romania

10:20 – 10:35 – Energy in Norway and potential contributions to Romania

Jonas Sandgren, Program Director, Norwegian Directorate for Hydropower and Resources

10:35 – 11:35 – Funding opportunities for cooperation in Romania

Alina Jalea, State Advisor for Climate Change and Energy Transition, Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Romania

Sorin Elisei, Director General, Ministry of Energy of Romania

Mircea Cârlan, Director General, Ministry of Energy of Romania
Ovidiu Cimpean, State Secretary, Ministry of Investments and European Projects of Romania

11:35 – 11:50 – Impact of Energy Innovation and Business Programs in Romania

Magnar Ødelien, Director, EEA and Norway Grants at Innovation Norway, Oslo

11:50 – 12:45 – Lunch 12:45 – 13:35 – Thematic Session: Hydrogen

Madalin Apostol, Public Affairs Regulatory and Corporate, OMV Petrom

Kristoffer Moldekleiv, EU Advisor, Energy Transition Norway

Martin Hennum, Export Manager, Ocean Hyway Cluster

13:35 – 14:30 – Thematic Session: Carbon Capture and Storage

Svein Ingar Semb, Chairman of the Board, Mongstad Technology Center
Stefan Popescu, Director, Regulatory and Public Affairs, Romgaz
Cathrine Ringstad, Senior Advisor CCS, Bellona

14:30 – 14:40 – Lunch break

14:40 – 15:25 – Thematic Session: Offshore Wind Energy

Viorel Alicus, Director, Romanian Energy Regulatory Agency

Odd Børge Skjærseth, CEO, Norce Green Energy / Green Entrans

Magnus Wold, Senior Engineer, Norwegian Hydropower and Resources Directorate

Vegard Sjursen, Vice President, Energy Transition, Odfjell Technology

15:25 – 16:10 – Thematic Session: Geothermal Energy

Rao Martand Singh, Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Claudiu Cretu, Director General, ELCEN

Eduard Sarbu Abramiuc, CEO, Transgex

Iulia Prodan, European Project Manager, Romanian Geoexchange Society

16:15 – 18:00 – Networking