Romania Needs To Sync EU Energy Funding With Project Demands

05.24.2011 By Andrei Circhelan

Romania’s structural funds on energy and energy efficiency should be calculated on specific requests by companies, since interest is disproportionate between the two segments, Economy Ministry official Alexandru Sandulescu said Tuesday.

The ministry official told a seminar on European financing that funding requests on the renewable energy segment greatly outweigh those involving energy efficiency projects. As such, funds need to be allotted depending on the areas of applicant interest.

"Last year, we've received cofinancing requests for EUR2 billion, while the budget was EUR100 million, which we added with EUR190 million. EU funds need to be allotted depending on applicant requests," Sandulescu said.

In addition, the ministry received applications for EU funding, on energy efficiency projects, worth a total EUR66 million, while the budget stood at EUR100 million.

The ministry will approach the European Commission with a request for changes in the way funds are earmarked.