The Central-European Natural Gas Congress September 2023 | Sibiu, Romania
On September 27-29th, 2023, our organization had the honor of participating in the Central-European Natural Gas Congress , which was organized by SNTGN Transgaz SA in the scenic city of Sibiu, Romania. This event was a significant milestone for bolstering Europe’s energy security and served as a forum for experts in energy infrastructure and natural gas to engage in discussions and share ideas.
We take pride in being a voice within the industry and on the discussion panels. Throughout the congress, eight panels were organized, and high-level delegates addressed current and highly relevant topics, including diversifying sources of natural gas supply and transportation routes in Central and Southeastern Europe and the Balkans, geostrategic uncertainties in the European energy market, the future of natural gas in the European energy mix in the medium and long term, strengthening European energy security, and financing investments in natural gas infrastructure development.
Mr. Ciprian Paltineanu, General Director of INSPET, shared, along with his team, the company’s knowledge and expertise during discussions focused on “Strengthening European Energy Security in Europe – PANEL 4” and “Financing investments in the development of gas infrastructure in Central, Eastern Europe and the Balkans – PANEL 5.” Additionally, emphasis was placed on subjects like enhancing processes through Digitalization and the Practice of Energy Diplomacy.
The eight discussion panels conducted throughout the two-day Congress addressed a wide range of key topics in the natural gas industry, providing a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the sector, namely:
PANEL 1
Geostrategic uncertainty in the European energy market
The Congress addressed concerns regarding the stability and security of energy supply, taking into account the evolving geopolitical context. A central question during the Congress was how natural gas can contribute to strengthening European energy security. Among the speakers were Mr. Ion Sterian – General Director of SNTGN TRANSGAZ SA, Mr. Constantin Dudu Ionescu – State Counselor, Mr. Virgil Popescu – Member of Parliament, Chamber of Deputies, Committee for Environment and Ecological Balance, and other prominent figures directly connected to the natural gas infrastructure sector.
PANEL 2
Investments in national gas infrastructure – a vector for sustainable development of local communities
The panel highlighted the importance of investments in the development and prosperity of local communities. Additionally, solutions and strategies that can ensure sustainable gas infrastructure and a safer future for as many areas/communities in Romania as possible were discussed.
PANEL 3
Diversification of natural gas supply sources and transmission routes in Central, South-Eastern Europe and the Balkans
Given the ongoing rise in natural gas demand, it is imperative to diversify both supply sources and transportation routes to safeguard the region’s energy security. The panel provided participants with a clearer perspective on developments in this field.
PANEL 4
Enhancing energy security in Europe
In the context of climate change and geopolitical challenges, energy security has become a vital topic.
Mr. Ciprian Paltineanu, General Director of INSPET, participated in this panel and presented a valuable perspective on how the natural gas industry can play a crucial role in strengthening European energy security. Through his field experience and expertise, he emphasized the importance of diversifying natural gas supply sources and the need to develop natural gas infrastructure. These aspects are essential to avoid energy supply vulnerabilities and address the increasingly complex challenges in the European energy market.
At the same time, the importance of the workforce and its quality was emphasized. Against a backdrop of constant changes, the labor market faces significant challenges, with adaptability and human resources becoming essential elements for the success of organizations and private companies.
PANEL 5
Financing investments in the development of gas infrastructure in Central, Eastern Europe and the Balkans
One of the defining moments of the Congress was Panel 5, which addressed the topic of financing investments in the development of natural gas infrastructure with a focus on Romania. This panel brought to the forefront the challenges and opportunities related to the development of this sector in our country.
Financing investments in the development of natural gas infrastructure is a key element in ensuring safe and efficient supply. Building and modernizing the natural gas transportation and distribution infrastructure requires significant investments, and the Congress discussed ways to secure these investments.
Within Panel 5, the presence of INSPET represented a significant moment through the speech of Mr. Ciprian Păltineanu, General Director of INSPET, who brings over 20 years of solid expertise as an investor in the energy sector, banker, and business consultant.
In correlation with INSPET’s participation in these two discussion panels, it’s important to highlight the challenges related to the development of the relevant sector in Romania. These challenges are perceived from our company’s perspective, as a provider of construction services in the field of fluid infrastructure (natural gas, oil, water, sewage, hydrogen).
Therefore, we emphasize the critical importance of financial discipline and adherence to payment deadlines by Public Institutions in the development of Romania’s energy infrastructure and ongoing projects – towards privately owned companies that are actively engaged in these works.
It’s crucial for us all to acknowledge that infrastructure development in Romania cannot proceed when funds for specific project stages are withheld arbitrarily, despite the initial validation of these projects as secure and ongoing (referring to POIM funds). This situation raises concerns about companies’ ability to maintain their operations and successfully complete the projects outlined in this program.
All these delays or blockages significantly impact the companies involved, and infrastructure development cannot progress efficiently under these conditions. Infrastructure development cannot happen if we undermine the very companies building that infrastructure!
The active participation of INSPET and its team has emphasized the vital importance of ensuring a stable and predictable financial environment for companies involved in the development of natural gas infrastructure in Romania. It is essential to find solutions to secure project funding and adhere to payment deadlines for the players engaged in these projects.
PANEL 6
Optimising processes in the energy industry by using new digital technologies
Technological innovation plays a crucial role in streamlining the production and distribution of natural gas, as highlighted by the discussion participants: Mr. Mircea Abrudean – Secretary General of the Government, Mr. Bogdan-Gruia Ivan – Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digitalization, Mr. Aristotel Jude – Deputy General Director of ROMGAZ, Mr. Gheorghe Ștefan – Executive General Director of CNR-CME, Mr. Levente Lukacs, Cegh – Senior Expert and Regional Manager for the Romanian market.
PANEL 7
The future of natural gas in the European energy mix on medium and long term
Delegates discussed the ongoing role of natural gas in energy production and strategies for its medium and long-term utilization.
PANEL 8
Energy diplomacy – meeting challenges and scenarios for the future
Experts and leaders examined how diplomacy plays a crucial role in addressing energy challenges. Strategies and future scenarios were discussed to ensure energy security and dynamic international relations in the global energy context.
The event took place at the Hilton Hotel in Sibiu, a city that symbolizes European unity, being a European Capital of Culture and hosting high-level meetings during the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Furthermore, this location was chosen for its twofold symbolism, recalling that SNTGN Transgaz SA’s headquarters are in Mediaș, Sibiu County, and that the first natural gas transportation pipeline in Romania and Europe was built here in 1914.
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We proudly represented the community, the firm, and the broader INSPET family at this Congress, expressing thanks for everything that “building with professionalism” includes, as well as the founders who established the strong foundations over 30 years ago!
More news and information on INSPET available on LinkedIn, on Facebook, on YouTube and on www.inspet.ro.
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