Romanian Minister of Energy Virgil Popescu said that the targets related to the filling of natural gas storage capacities have been exceeded, adding that there will be no problems with electricity and natural gas supply during the winter season.
Minister Popescu said that the capacities are filled at an accelerated pace and the set targets have been practically exceeded, with the level of stored gas of over 70 %, or around 2.14 billion cubic meters of gas. He added that he hopes that the target of 80 % for 1 November will be exceeded as well.
He pointed out that there is enough gas in storage for the entire winter season, adding that electricity producer EC Oltenia is on schedule with its coal stocks. This year, Romania will produce about 900,000 tons of coal more compared to the previous year. EC Oltenia will also prepare additional coal-fired electricity generation capacities for the winter.
Minister Popescu said that the situation with the draught and low water flow of the Danube is worrying, but, in case the drought continues, additional coal-based capacities could be used to fill the gap.