site.btaUS to Organize Energy Transition and Energy Security Business Trade Mission to Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia in 2025

The United States is organizing the Southeastern Europe Energy Transition and Energy Security Business Trade Mission to Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia from March 17-21, 2025, the US Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec, said in Bucharest on Tuesday as quoted by the US Embassy in Romania.

This mission will provide a platform for US businesses to jointly explore opportunities in the region's growing energy market and contribute to the region's energy transition, Ambassador Kavalec said at the PowerShift Summit.

The diplomat said that since it joined the EU, Romania had made remarkable progress in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, becoming a leader in Europe in reducing its carbon dependence.

"In 2008, coal accounted for 39.5% of the country's energy mix and more than half of Romania's energy came from coal and hydrocarbons. In 2023, the share of coal was 13.44%, and nearly two-thirds of the energy output was carbon-free," the US Ambassador said at the conference.

She noted that Romania has a wealth of energy resources, including in the Black Sea, and added, "Offshore natural gas and wind will bolster Romania's status as a regional energy hub, a pillar of energy security in the region."

"Unfortunately, Russia's illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine has created significant challenges in the Black Sea region. These issues include physical security for offshore energy projects, and security of supply for electricity and natural gas for the countries in the region," Ambassador Kavalec said as quoted by the US Embassy in Bucharest.

She commended Romania for its continued support to Ukraine, including through emergency assistance in the energy sector.