Romania is actively preparing to launch the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea. This is one of the most significant energy initiatives in the European Union. If everything goes according to plan, next year the country will begin producing its own natural gas from deepwater fields. This will substantially strengthen Europe’s energy independence.
The project is being implemented jointly by the Austrian company OMV Petrom as operator and the Romanian state-owned company Romgaz. Each holds a 50 percent stake. The reserves are estimated at approximately 100 billion cubic meters of recoverable gas. After reaching plateau production in 2027, output will almost double Romania’s current gas production volume. The country will become the largest gas producer in the EU.
In May 2026, work began on laying a 160-kilometer offshore pipeline. The installation of the offshore production platform has recently been completed. All stages are proceeding on schedule with a strong emphasis on the highest safety and quality standards.
The project will reduce dependence on gas imports, especially from Russia. It will increase the overall stability of the energy market. Gas from Neptun Deep is already planned to be supplied to Germany, Moldova, and other countries. Slovakia, in particular, has expressed interest.
For Romania, the country will become a net gas exporter. The project will give a powerful boost to the economy, create jobs, and strengthen energy security.
For Ukraine, additional European gas and reduced regional dependence on external supplies will help stabilize the energy sector amid ongoing challenges.
“We are maintaining a high pace of work with the goal of starting production in 2027,” noted OMV Petrom CEO Christina Verchere.
Romgaz CEO Răzvan Popescu emphasized that the project will strengthen Romania’s position in ensuring energy resilience at the national and regional levels.