Romania: Simex becomes first ever company to use solar energy for furniture production in Romania

Simex is company in Transylvania, Romania, which has produced solid wood furniture since 1950. Fifty years later, in 2020, Simex adopted a new and innovative approach to energy consumption in their furniture production.

Simex applied to the open call on ‘Other Renewable Energy Sources’ under the EEA and Norway Grants Energy Programme in Romania.

The application was awarded 237,000 euro and in April 2020, right after covid-19 restrictions in Romania tightened, Simex started installing solar panels. The solar panels replace fossil fuels and, instead, supply their production with renewable energy and electricity. The solar panels are photovoltaic and include a remote monitoring system.

The solar panels reduce CO2 emissions with approx. 364 tons CO2 equivalents per year. The energy they produce are estimated at 520 MWh (megawatt hour) per year.

Impact on society and the environment

The project has had an impact. Simex started installing the solar panels during uncertain beginning of the covid 19 crisis when restrictions in Romania tightened. The installations created jobs for local workers who would otherwise be unemployed.

The project has reduced air pollution and greenhouse gases in Transylvania. It has led the way for using renewable energy sources for sustainable development. The replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy has set an example that has inspired other companies in the region.

Ready for another project to spread the word

Simex plan to submit another application to the EEA and Norway Grants by Innovation Norway. Their aim is to continue spreading awareness about the importance of alternative energies for the quality of the environment.

“Our experience with Innovation Norway was extraordinary. It helped stimulating and develop long-term cooperation between Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Romania. We are looking forward to repeat the experience and we will definitely recommend it to others.”

- Dumitru Blaga, Chairman and general director of SIMEX SA.

The Energy Programme in Romania

The project is supported by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein through the EEA and Norway Grants. See more opportunities under the Energy Programme in Romania.