Romania's domestic energy production fell by 2.6% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This information comes from provisional data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on August 17. Final electricity consumption also dropped by 3.3% year-on-year, reaching 24.113 billion kWh.
Key Details
Electricity resources totaled 34.691 billion kWh, which is an increase of 1.1% from the first half of 2025. This rise was driven by strong gains in renewable energy. Solar power generation surged by 42.1% to 3.259 billion kWh. Hydropower production increased by 17.9% to 7.489 billion kWh. Wind power generation rose by 9% to 3.273 billion kWh. In contrast, thermal power plants produced 7.680 billion kWh, down 5.9%. Nuclear power generation fell by 11.7% to 4.530 billion kWh.
The overall decline in energy production was linked to a 4.1% drop in primary energy resources, totaling 15.502 million tonnes of oil equivalent. Domestic production decreased by 215,200 tonnes. Imports also fell by 5.5% to 7.572 million tonnes of oil equivalent. Despite these declines, electricity exports rose by 11.4% to 7.691 billion kWh.
Background
These figures come amid severe energy constraints faced by Romania this summer. Record-low water levels in the Danube forced both reactors at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant offline. Authorities have asked households and businesses to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours until the end of the month.
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The decline in energy production could affect electricity prices and supply stability in Romania. This is particularly important as the country deals with ongoing constraints. Investors will monitor updates on energy production and consumption trends as summer continues. They are especially concerned about potential further disruptions from low water levels impacting hydropower generation.
Based on reporting by: business-review.eu, romania-insider.com