Romania and energy independence
Drilling has started for the development and exploitation of Romania’s gas deposits in the Black Sea
Mihai Pelin, 26.03.2025, 13:50
The companies Romgaz and OMV Petrom announced that they have started drilling for the development and exploitation of natural gas deposits in the Neptun Deep perimeter, a historic moment for Romania’s energy security. Neptun Deep will contribute to Romania’s production with about eight billion cubic meters annually, and the first natural gas deliveries are expected in 2027. The moment marks an important milestone for the progress of this project, by means of which Romania can cover its natural gas demand from domestic sources. Romania will also become an important player on the European market, the two companies announced. In addition, the project will have a positive contribution to the economy, being estimated to bring significant revenues to the state budget, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja says:
“It is a strategic project, the largest investment in the Romanian energy sector – €4 billion, €20 billion to the state budget, at least doubling Romanian gas production each year by 8-10 billion scubic meters, with an important contribution to reducing and perhaps eliminating dependence on Russian gas imports for the entire region, because we do not have this problem in Romania”.
Romgaz and OMV Petrom experts estimate that drilling works for the ten wells will last until the fourth quarter of 2026. According to experts, this will not be an easy task. For instance, the first well is drilled on a deposit located at a depth of 120 meters, and the gas reservoir is 2,000 meters below the seabed. Romgaz and OMV Petrom have an equal participation in this project, 50% each. The necessary infrastructure includes, among other things, three subsea production systems, the associated collection pipeline network, an offshore natural gas platform located in shallow waters, the main natural pipeline transporting gas to the shore at Tuzla (southeast) and a natural gas metering station. The offshore platform generates its own electricity, operating with the observance of the highest safety and environmental standards. The wells and fields will be operated remotely, through a digital replica (known as a digital twin). Let us recall that Romgaz is the largest producer and main supplier of natural gas in Romania. The company has extensive experience in the field of natural gas exploration and production, with a history spanning over 100 years. The company was founded in 1909, when the first gas field was discovered at Sărmășel (center). The Romanian state owns the majority 70% stake in the company. As for OMV Petrom, Austrian shareholders own 51.1% of the company, while the Romanian state holds 20.7%. It is the largest integrated energy producer in Southeastern Europe, active along the entire energy value chain, from exploration and production of crude oil and gas, refining and distribution of fuels, to electricity generation, as well as trading of natural gas and electricity. (VP)
