The process of moving away from polluting coal for power generation comes with social problems such as the loss of some jobs, but renewable energy, which is gaining ground, is bringing new employment opportunities for people who used to work in the mines.

“Romania is experiencing an energy revolution. We are one of the countries that has undertaken a very ambitious decarbonization plan. Today we are talking about 14% of the energy produced in Romania is based on coal, and in 2026 this percentage will be 0.3% “So in a few years we will be without coal emissions”, said Energy Minister Sebastian Burduha during the presentation of the Code of Excellence practitioner in renewable energy.

He recounted a conversation with a miner who told him he was losing his job.

“I can’t forget. When I was at Val Jiului, where there are still 2,032 miners, compared to 55,000 in 1989, so you can imagine the transformation, one of the 2,032 miners approached me instantly during an official visit. , and he tugged on my sleeve and said to me: “Mr. Minister, please come a little closer. Mr. Minister, look at these hands.” And I remained speechless. “Mr. Minister, do you see those black hands?” I put white bread on the table for three children, every day.” And you cannot ignore, as a minister, as a person, the history of these people,” says the minister.

Burduja also said that, fortunately, the expected investment in renewable energy production will create more than 20,000 jobs.

“This is good news for people like Mr. whom I met in Val Dziului,” the minister also said.

To meet the new European targets, Romania needs an installed capacity of 11.5 GW of wind power, three times the existing capacity.

In addition, according to the latest study carried out by the Romanian Wind Energy Association (RWEA) and the Photovoltaic Producers Association (RPIA), 11.1 GW of PV needs to be installed nationally, compared to 1,425 MW currently. cooperation with Deloitte and E3-Modelling.