Gabriel Anicai, Trust Expert: The transition to green energy is not just a trend, but an absolute necessity for the energy industry and society as a whole

In the enlightening “Industries to watch in 2024” segment of Business Review Magazine, Gabriel Anicai, founder of Trust Expert and a recognized leader in the distribution of HVAC systems, offers an in-depth analysis of the evolving challenges and opportunities within the HVAC sector for the upcoming year. Anicai speaks to the critical role of technological advancements, environmental sustainability, and the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions in shaping the future of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Underlining Trust Expert’s dedication to innovation and eco-friendly practices, Anicai explores how the company is setting industry standards by integrating cutting-edge technologies and green initiatives into their HVAC solutions, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and efficiency in response to the changing global landscape.

How do you think the energy sector in Romania will evolve in 2024, given that geopolitical uncertainties continue and inflation is on the rise (at least in the first part of the year)?

The year 2024 is shaping up to be one full of challenges, but also opportunities for Romania’s energy sector. In the context of current geopolitical instability and the return of inflation, the energy sector will remain under significant pressure. These external conditions will drive an acute need for adaptation and efficiency in the field.

Beyond geopolitical uncertainties, we must consider that 2024 is an election year. This is a factor that can significantly influence political and economic directions. In such periods, we usually witness the launch of new initiatives and programs, especially those targeting energy efficiency and the transition to green energy sources.

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From the perspective of a company operating in the HVAC sector, we see these changes as opportunities to align with global trends and actively contribute to energy transition efforts. We expect the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions to increase.

Will investments continue, will prices remain stable?

Looking towards the future of the energy sector, we are optimistic about the continuation of investments, especially in the context where main European development programs are oriented towards this domain.

Regarding price stability, we have reasons to believe that they will remain stable in the short term. This stability is partly ensured by price capping measures, which are in force until 2025. These measures represent a response to recent fluctuations and aim to protect consumers and businesses against market volatility.

However, it is important to keep in mind that, after 2025, prices could increase. This highlights the need for careful planning and progressive adaptation for both companies and consumers. For us, it means a heightened focus on energy efficiency and innovative solutions that can help reduce long-term costs.

How much does the transition to green energy influence the industry as a whole?

The transition to green energy is not just a trend, but an absolute necessity for the energy industry and society as a whole. The impact of this transition is enormous, fundamentally transforming how we generate, distribute, and use energy. One of the critical aspects of this transition is the need for substantial investments in the electricity transmission infrastructure. To efficiently integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid and optimize distribution, it is essential to modernize and expand existing networks. This is not just a matter of financial resources, but also of strategic planning and technical innovation.

In addition to infrastructure, the energy transition also brings a significant change in skill requirements. There is an acute need for extensive schooling and retraining, especially at the level of installers and technicians. In the HVAC industry, for example, a deep understanding of new technologies and energy-efficient solutions is required. This means that continuous professional training and adapting to new requirements are more important than ever.

What are the main opportunities and challenges for the energy sector in 2024?

Adapting to New Technologies: A major challenge is adapting companies and personnel to new technologies. New specialization requirements, such as developing skills in refrigerants, electrical work, and automation, are essential. We continuously invest in training and updating our team’s knowledge to meet these new requirements.

Developing Energy Infrastructure: Another significant challenge is adapting energy infrastructure to future working conditions. The increase in the number of prosumers uploading electricity to the system, as well as the growing demand for heat pumps, which expands by about 30% per year, requires a stronger and more stable electric network, especially in new residential areas around big cities.

Government Support Programs: We expect the relaunch of the Casa Verde program for heat pumps and the continuation of the one for photovoltaic panels. These programs represent a significant opportunity for the industry and end consumers, stimulating the adoption of green technologies.

Maintaining Reduced VAT: The opportunity to maintain a reduced VAT rate of 9% for heat pump systems and photovoltaic systems is another positive aspect. This measure encourages investments in sustainable solutions and helps increase their accessibility to a larger number of consumers.

Legislation for Certification and Learning: Finally, creating a legislative framework for the certification of installers and for training engineers in the efficient sizing of heat pumps is crucial. This not only ensures the correct and efficient installation of systems but also contributes to reducing operating expenses and increasing the lifespan of heating and air conditioning equipment. These aspects are essential for the sustainability we desire – reduced energy consumption and a lower frequency of replacing heating and air conditioning equipment.