Interview Corneliu Bodea, CEO of Adrem, www.bursa.ro
Reporter: At the end of last year, Adrem Grup celebrated 30 years of activity. Where is the company you run at the moment and how did it overcome the challenges, especially the challenges of 2020-2022? What were the pluses and minuses recorded in the activity?
Corneliu Bodea: In 1992 we started as a family business. My brother, Adrian Bodea, noticed the need to refurbish the Romanian industry and started with the dream of getting involved and helping the transition of the system, which did not look very good at the time. Later, I joined the company, and together, with the same vision, for better or for worse, we managed to put Adrem on the map of companies with an important role in the energy transition of our country.
Currently, Adrem is among the largest Romanian private energy services companies and the only one that collaborates with all the main energy distribution operators in the country. We have coverage throughout the country, we operate in over 20 counties with the support of over 1000 employees.
The last three years have been difficult years, with activities and the energy market in general being affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the energy crisis. And now we also have the conflict in Ukraine, which is making its effects felt regionally and internationally. However, with ambition and rigor, we managed to complete the proposed projects. Between 2020 and 2022, we continued to work on the digitization of 250 transformer substations in six counties, by integrating them into the SCADA system, for our client Distribuţie Energie Electrică Romania.
We have also completed projects such as the automation of the BRUA gas pipeline, the DN600 Ungheni – Chisinau natural gas transmission pipeline and the new bidirectional natural gas metering station at Isaccea 1 (Romania-Ukraine and vice versa). By carrying them out, we have consolidated our experience in this area and contributed to the development and modernization of infrastructures of national strategic importance.
Reporter: The transformation of the energy sector has become a priority for the European Commission. How does the activity of the company you lead fit into the objectives set out in the Green Deal?
Corneliu Bodea: We have structured the Adrem Group in such a way as to respond to the three objectives of the fight against climate change: digitalization, decentralization and decarbonization of the energy industry. Thus, Adrem Engineering develops projects for the digitization of energy infrastructure; Adrem Invest is working on projects for the management of metering groups, infrastructure maintenance and operation of distribution networks, and Adrem Link implements green energy and energy efficiency projects.
In order to benefit as much as possible from the Green Deal opportunities, I believe that investments are the most important in the modernization of generation capacities, the widespread adoption of digitalization, smart transmission and distribution networks, as well as energy efficiency.
Reporter: The prosumer market is booming in our country. What are the projects in this area in which Adrem Grup is involved? How did the Casa Verde government program unfold, from your point of view?
Corneliu Bodea: Adrem is involved in several energy efficiency, green energy and e-mobility projects and programs. Last year we installed almost 3 MW through photovoltaic systems and almost 4 MW through electric car charging stations; another 5 MW are contracted through the “Casa Verde” and “ElectricUp” programs for both individuals and legal entities.
Through the Casa Verde government program, we address both industrial and commercial environments, as well as people who want to become prosumers. I am glad that this segment is growing, although there are many syncopes in the program, it is good that it is implemented and aligned with the general trends in the European Union and, around the world, in relation to the adoption of renewable energy production technologies.
Reporter: Is the National Energy System ready to take over the quantities of energy that are expected to be delivered by prosumers in the coming years? What investments should be made in this field? Do these represent a new business opportunity for Adrem Group?
Corneliu Bodea: In this area, in the next period, in order to ensure the adequacy of the SEN, the priorities should be the development of new electricity production capacities that correspond to the emission limits imposed by the EU Taxonomy, the trends of decentralization and reduction of congestion in the networks. Also, another priority is to increase and maintain the capacity in the electricity transmission and distribution infrastructures, together with the increase of the level of digitalization, in order to the energy transition and the integration of the new wave of renewable energy sources.
“We have over 3,000 of our own RTU equipment integrated into important projects in the energy sector”
Reporter: The authorities in Bucharest have managed to include natural gas production capacities in the transition to green energy. What is Adrem Group’s involvement in this area? Do you collaborate with the Oltenia Energy Complex regarding the capacities to be built according to the reorganization and restructuring plan?
Corneliu Bodea: The gas projects in which Adrem is involved are those of construction, automation and security of gas transmission pipelines. Our solutions cover the exploitation, production and transportation of gas and oil. From SCADA and distribution management systems to punctual solutions, such as Plant Distributed Control System, Leak Detection Systems, Pipeline Modelling & Optimization System or Asset Management, we offer varied and complex solutions delivered in the form of general contracting.
Among the major projects are the implementation of a SCADA system for the entire national natural gas transmission system; the Jupa station, which interconnects the national gas transmission system with a compressor station related to the BRUA pipeline, the replacement of the SMG Isaccea 1 natural gas metering station and the automation of the BRUA gas pipeline. The projects were implemented for our customers Transgaz and VESTMOLDTRANSGAZ.
Reporter: The digitalization of the national energy system is a priority, especially in terms of controlling the consumption of electricity and thermal energy. How did the company led by you get involved in this sector?
Corneliu Bodea: Digitalization is one of the pillars of our activity, being also one of the three objectives of the fight against climate change. Through Adrem Engineering we support the digitization of the Romanian energy infrastructure, being a leader on the local industrial automation market, and we carry out everything from complex general contracting works to equipment developed within Adrem (over 3,000 RTU equipment integrated into important projects).
Reporter: In recent years, energy efficiency, photovoltaic systems, energy management for smart cities, etc. are discussed more and more often. What solutions does Adrem Grup offer regarding these topical topics?
Corneliu Bodea: Within Adrem, we have developed a complete package of efficiency and smart consumption solutions focusing on green energy, dedicated to both B2B and B2C segments, which contribute to encouraging investments in the clean energy and energy efficiency sector. Thus, we offer turnkey photovoltaic panel installation services, solutions for obtaining financing for renewable energy projects through the PNRR and ElectricUp programs, energy audit services, energy management for smart cities, integrated energy management system and smart lighting solutions.
Reporter: What are the priorities of the company you lead from the point of view of the ESG concept?
Corneliu Bodea: Adrem plays a key role in preparing Romania for the energy transition and in changing its mentality towards sustainable consumption, with respect for people and the environment. That is why, in the long term, we are committed to the fight against climate change, to sustainable development and to supporting Romania in the energy transition, to our contribution to a cleaner and more welcoming planet for the next generations.
In the same direction, for the incorporation of ESG into Adrem, we structured the CSR objectives on 4 pillars – operational safety, education, community development and sustainability – based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We set out to implement a way of doing business that leaves a positive footprint on society, with respect for the environment in which we operate and for the planet.
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