As it approaches its 15th anniversary, and at a time when the photovoltaic sector is entering a new stage of development, the Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association (RPIA) is becoming Photovoltaic & Storage Romania (PSR).
In recent years, Romania's photovoltaic sector has experienced one of the fastest expansions in Europe. Installed capacity has grown from 1.4 GW in 2021 to approximately 10 GW today, making solar PV the technology with the largest share of installed capacity in the national energy system.
As solar power accounts for an increasing share of electricity demand, attention is gradually shifting from adding new generation capacity towards flexibility, balancing and the efficient integration of new projects into the grid. In this context, energy storage is playing an increasingly important role in the sector's development, a trend also reflected in market figures. Since the beginning of the year, Romania has tripled its installed battery storage capacity, while industry estimates indicate that total capacity could reach at least 4 GWh by the end of 2026, across both large-scale projects and prosumer installations.
These market developments are also reflected in the association's activities, with its priorities expanding alongside the industry. Bringing together more than 70 companies, from developers and investors to equipment manufacturers, engineering and construction companies, consultants and specialised service providers, RPIA has grown into a platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders with different backgrounds and perspectives.
The topics addressed through the association's working groups and discussions with public authorities also illustrate this shift. Grid access, regulation, financing, project development and the integration of new technologies are among the issues that matter to our members and around which joint initiatives are developed, in a market where solar power and energy storage are becoming increasingly interconnected. The new name, therefore, brings the association's identity closer to the areas in which it is already active and to the interests of the companies it represents.
"Having worked in the industry for more than 15 years, I've seen Romania's solar sector go through very different stages. Today, we're no longer talking only about adding new generation capacity. We're also looking at how that capacity is integrated into the grid, how flexibility and storage can help, and how generation and consumption can be managed together. These are already part of our work and our members' priorities, so the new name reflects where we are today. RPIA is still the same organisation, with the experience and community we've built over the years, but with a name that better represents what we do," said Andrei Manea, Executive Director of Photovoltaic & Storage Romania.
While the name is changing, the association's work continues, from its dialogue with public authorities and working groups to projects carried out with partners in Romania and across Europe. One example is the Code of Good Practice for Renewable Energy in Romania, now in its third edition, developed together with the Romanian Wind Energy Association (RWEA) and supported by companies, institutions and public authorities from across the sector.
Equally important are initiatives that bring the industry closer to the public, such as Solar Open Day, which gives students and local communities the opportunity to explore photovoltaic projects and meet the people behind them.
The Photovoltaic & Storage Romania identity will gradually be introduced across the association's communication materials, platforms and projects, while maintaining the relationships with members and partners built under the RPIA name.
About Photovoltaic & Storage Romania
Photovoltaic & Storage Romania (PSR), formerly known as the Romanian Photovoltaic Industry Association (RPIA), represents Romania's photovoltaic and energy storage industry. With a community of more than 70 members, the association represents the interests of companies active in the sector, supports dialogue with public authorities and contributes to the development of a predictable regulatory framework, while promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration and good practices across the industry.
