Production of electricity from non-renewable resources, coded CAEN 351, represents the backbone of the Romanian energy system, although the green transition is gradually reducing its share. In Romania, this activity is dominated by coal-fired energy complexes in Oltenia and natural gas power plants, as well as the Cernavodă nuclear plant, which ensures a constant base load. From a macroeconomic perspective, the sector contributes significantly to energy security, but it is subject to increasing pressures related to CO2 emissions and the cost of green certificates.
Entrepreneurs operating in this niche face major challenges: massive investments in maintenance and modernization of old installations, fluctuations in fuel prices, and complex bureaucracy in the field of environmental permits. At the same time, opportunities arise in high-efficiency cogeneration, where the simultaneous production of electricity and heat can reduce costs and emissions. Also, maintenance and technical consultancy services for conventional power plants remain a stable market.
In the medium term, Romania aims to gradually reduce coal capacity, which will force the conversion of some assets to gas or renewable sources. To remain competitive, companies in this field must adopt cleaner technologies, such as carbon capture and storage or high-efficiency turbines. In conclusion, CAEN 351 is a sector in structural decline, but still offering profitability for those who quickly adapt to environmental requirements and the liberalized energy market.