In recent years, Romania has experienced a significant increase in the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation, driven by European climate policies and national decarbonization targets. However, the integration of variable renewable energy sources introduces operational challenges related to power flows, network congestion, and carbon emission allocation. This paper analyzes the current structure of the Romanian power system and evaluates the applicability of the Carbon Power Flow (CPF) method for assessing the spatial and operational distribution of CO₂ emissions. Using national-level data and a regional case study, the study highlights the role of fossil-based generation, network constraints, and dispatch strategies in shaping the carbon footprint of electricity consumption.
Balaban et al. (2026) studied this question.