The Energy Strategy from the Perspective of Transition to Clean Energy. Comparative Analysis of the Bioenergy Field in Romania and Germany

The energy sector represents, for Romania, a pillar for the economy, with an important contribution to the gross domestic product, while being at the same time a national security component. The energy sector is faced with new technological standards which need to be met and services are required to transition to a cleaner energy. Referenced in three of the main five intervention areas of the strategy, renewable energy obtained from biomass represents a priority for the Romania and is also the topic of our research. The strategy was published in 2016, but is yet to be implemented, which is why we considered it appropriate to contribute through the findings of this research, with key points for a successful future implementation. The paper presents relevant factors to a successful energy transition process to a clean energy which may be implemented in the Romanian biomass case, through a review of the German renewable energy strategy in the biomass field. The theory of transition is used as a framework to promote this assessment in Romania. The research methodology is based on a special action research design with four phases that enable to identify the key points that need to be addressed in the implementation of the biomass energy strategy of Romania. After reviewing the specialized literature in regards to the importance of biomass for the clean energy, the implications of the use of this alternative energy resource and the global context at the current date, we have used the method of comparative analysis to underline best practice elements, which can also be applied in the Romanian strategy implementation. The comparative assessment of the German and Romanian biomass strategy identifies key factors for the future estimation of the Romanian transition pathway.