Romanian PM: Black Sea Gas will Provide Energy independence Within Ten Years
During a visit to a offshore platform operated by OMV Petrom earlier this month, Prime Minister Victor Ponta stated that development of the natural gas resources from the Black Sea provided not only the prospects of energy independence and economic development, but was a source of pride for Romania.
“I have visited the rigs in the Black Sea; I thank OMV Petrom representatives who came with me. The first feeling I have is that of pride because I have seen exceptional technological achievements, a rig in the middle of the sea is not the simplest thing in the world; these achievements belong to the Romanians, the ones from Petrom," commented the PM.
The Prime Minister expressed that energy independence and the capacity to become an important regional producer was "not a dream for Romania, is not only propaganda; it is a reality." He re-iterarated government's support, announcing that Petrom planned investments of over 300 million euro for new drilling to unlock an "energy reservoir that Romania badly needs."
Ponta commented on the timeline for progress, perhaps to temper expectation, saying that development would occur "in a period of time that may seem long for politicians but is short for companies, of 4, 5, 6, 7 years the oil and gas production from the Black Sea will fully cover the industrial needs and the citizens’ consumption and will transform Romania into an important player on this market.”
Ponta spoke of the Black Sea developments providing for a privileged position of Romania in Europe:
“On May 22nd will be a special European Council dedicated to energy problems because all of Europe has a problem with competitiveness and energy dependence. And then Romania is privileged. I hope that in June we will have the good news regarding the signing of Nabucco project, so Romania is in a privileged position and must know to take advantages from it in the years to follow.”
Silviu Molnar