Towards a hydrogen economy in Romania: Statistics, technical and scientific general aspects

Abstract The present work features an analysis of the current state of Romania's current policy in the context of hydrogen economy. The possibilities and limitations concerning the transition towards the hydrogen economy in Romania are discussed taking into account a number of aspects, including: the degree of development of the electric power infrastructure, aspects from petrochemical and agrochemical industry, transport infrastructure, socioeconomic development indicators, activity and dynamics of the scientific community and attitude of central authorities. All these are important aspects that contribute to technology deployment. The article presents both advantages and disadvantages from Romania, provides concrete examples, gives information, makes comparisons and provides recommendations, taking into account national aspects. Key areas of promise for hydrogen technologies in Romania are identified. The paper concludes with recommendations for actions in order to begin the process of transition towards a hydrogen economy. The idea is that in the case of the transition towards the hydrogen economy, it is not important who took the start first but also how to use own resources optimally to turn them into advantages and achieve the proposed targets. After a general introduction, the article begins to examine the current energy system and socioeconomic development indicators in Romania. The next part of article analyzes the specific problems related to introduction of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in Romania.