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The forecast for the reserves in Neptun Deep is at least 100 billion normal cubic meters, which means that for 10-12 years Romania will double its production, and the project means at least 20 billion euros of money going into the pockets of Romanians, into the state budget, declared on Thursday, the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, after the Government meeting.
“The conservative estimate for the reserves in Neptun Deep, but a fully confirmed estimate, is at least 100 billion normal cubic meters, the total estimate. Now, think that Romania produces and consumes 8-9-10 billion normal cubic meters annually. We consume about as much as we produce. So, based on the conservative estimate, for 10-12 years, we will double our production. If the reserves are higher, so much the better. I have said it before, the project means 20 billion euros in the pockets of Romanians, in the state budget, and it is an investment of 4 billion euros, it is the most important investment in the energy sector – 50% OMV Petrom, 50% Romgaz”, the minister said.
According to him, estimates indicate that in the coming years gas consumption in Romania will increase by at least 25-30%.
“We estimate that in the coming years gas consumption will increase by 25-30%, maybe a little more. Why? On the one hand, because we aim to bring this Romanian gas to Romanians’ homes – and there are programs to expand the distribution network through Anghel Saligny or through other instruments – so, to bring gas to localities where there is no network at the moment and, on the other hand, because we have large electricity production projects in the works – gas-fired power plants. The best example is in Mintia, it has a very large capacity, it will be the largest gas-fired power plant in the European Union, 1,750 MW. Imagine, more than the Cernavodă power plant! I’m not talking about Iernut, 97% of the execution stage, and Ișalnița and Turceni, in the future, another 1,300 MW. All these power plants will use gas, so, if we double our production, an increase of 100%, and consumption will increase by 25-30%, then there will also be quantities for export. Personally, I hope it will be as few as possible”, said Burduja.
The Energy Minister added that the gas can be used in the Romanian economy, for the revitalization of the chemical fertilizer industry, in pharmaceutical factories or in other branches where it is necessary.
“We must add value to this gas. One use is to transform it into electricity and sell electricity, including to our neighbors, so that they depend on us, not us on them. But I can revitalize the chemical fertilizer industry and, as is known, Romgaz is analyzing the takeover of Azomureș. You can build pharmaceutical factories, you can build new ceramic factories or other branches where gas is important as a raw material,” the minister pointed out.
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