Romania asks EU to delay coal plant closures due to delayed green energy projects and blackout risks.

Romania is seeking EU approval to delay closing coal plants by year-end, citing unfinished replacements and energy security risks. Energy officials say planned gas plants and solar projects under the PNRR are behind schedule due to lack of contractors, with most funds spent on CO2 certificates. Without coal as backup, the country faces potential blackouts and a 30% price surge, relying on costly imports up to 3,000 MW at over €400/MWh. Meanwhile, Romania aims to boost electricity storage to 2,000 MW by 2026, with new EU-backed battery projects underway, including a 387 MWh system by Greek firm PPC.