For energy players the year 2010 will neither bring spectacularrises in consumption nor the start of major investment projects ora relaxation in funding, according to Ion Lungu, general manager ofCEZ Trade, who has over thirty years' experience in the energysector.
Ion Lungu, who handles all energy deals within CEZ Romania, setup after the Czech utility group took over former Electrica Olteniain 2005, believes one of the most important things that need to bedone this year on the energy market is to implement the decisionsthat were announced, and then put off for several years.
"2009 was affected by the decline in energy consumption, with nomajor investments being conducted in the sector. Although there wasso much talk about restructuring by setting up two energycompanies, nothing has been done. Energy trade still lackstransparency. I wouldn't say last year was the most difficult ofthe last ten, because the energy sector was safe, but it wasdefinitely a difficult year due to the lack of funds and ofstrategy," specified Lungu, who is also chairman of the Associationof Energy Suppliers in Romania (AFEER). ZF
Last year the Ministry of Economy initiated a new strategy torestructure the energy generation system by creating two nationalenergy companies, and abandoning a plan debated for almost twoyears, which targeted the setting up of a so-called "nationalchampion". Although the companies were supposed to be ready by theend of last year, the break-up of the ruling coalition and thepresidential elections saw the project put off, prolonging thestate of uncertainty surrounding the reorganisation of Romania'sbiggest energy companies.
Lungu does not believe any major energy generation project willbe started this year, although CEZ and state-held Termoelectricaare involved in a 400 MW-project worth 400 million euros in Galati.
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