Turkish investors are preparing increasingly large-scale solar energy and battery storage projects in Romania, while major energy companies and industrial groups are entering the local market or expanding their presence, according to the conclusions of the second edition of the 'Türkiye-Romania Energy Forum,' organised in Ankara in mid-October by the Black Sea Energy Cooperation Association (BESCA).

According to a release from the organisers sent to AGERPRES on Monday, the forum, held under the theme 'Building the Next Wave of Energy Investment,' brought together investors, bank representatives, technology solutions providers and consultants from Romania and Türkiye, who presented investment plans and discussed the conditions needed to implement them.

BESCA President Mesut Guler pointed out the growing interest from major Turkish energy companies and industrial groups with experience, resources and a willingness to invest over the long term. He added that their presence and the scale of the projects they are considering show that energy cooperation between Romania and Türkiye is entering a phase of maturity. BESCA's role is to strengthen this community of investors and facilitate access to expertise and institutions in Romania, creating a solid foundation for long-term collaborations, the BESCA president mentioned.

One example is Entek Elektrik, part of the Koc Group, which presented its work on a project to add battery storage capacity at the same site as its 205 MWp photovoltaic park in Dambovita county, where construction is already more than halfway complete.

Akfen Renewable Energy also presented its first renewable energy investment outside Türkiye, a project combining solar power generation with battery storage and being developed in partnership with a Romanian company. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

Claritas Investments is an international investment group developing a portfolio of more than 550 MWp of photovoltaic capacity in Timis county, together with 2 GWh of battery energy storage capacity.

Also presented in the forum was the Romanian Embassy in Türkiye's perspective on opportunities for bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, storage and grid infrastructure.

'Romania and Türkiye have an opportunity to take energy cooperation to a new level. Romania needs major investments in renewable energy, storage and electricity grid modernisation, areas in which Turkish companies have strong expertise in engineering, equipment manufacturing and project implementation,' said Bogdan Mihailescu, recently appointed head of the Economic and Commercial Section at the Romanian Embassy in Türkiye.

Overall, the event in the Turkish capital covered topics such as the selection of investment projects, access to European funds, technology, the financing and operation of energy capacities, and presented investors' first-hand experiences in the Romanian market.

'Romania has an experienced energy industry and the specialists needed to support these increasingly large-scale investments. Through BESCA, we facilitate Turkish investors' access to this expertise and develop relations between companies, financial institutions and public authorities in both countries. This is a concrete contribution to economic diplomacy, through which this investment interest can be turned into lasting business relationships and closer cooperation between Romania and Türkiye,' Executive Director of BESCA and Chief Commercial Officer of Enexus Renewable Energy Alina Stefan concluded.

The Black Sea Energy Cooperation Association is a regional platform dedicated to developing cooperation and investment in the energy sector in the Black Sea region. The association brings together investors, project developers, technology providers, financial institutions and specialist consultants, supporting the formation of partnerships and the development of viable energy projects. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Badea; EN - writing by: Rodica State)