Renewables as the Cornerstone of Sustainable Economic Models: Europe, China, and the Hydrogen Transition under the Additionality Principle presented by Dr. Vlad Stoicescu, President of Romanian Sustainable Fuels Association
Europe is accelerating its renewable and hydrogen transition to bolster energy security amid geopolitical shifts. The EU’s new RFNBO Delegated Act enforces an “additionality”principle requiring new green hydrogen to use renewable power from installations no older than 36 months, located in the same grid region (bidding zone) as the hydrogen plant. Meanwhile, China remains heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels from Russia and Australia – in 2022 it spent $81.3 billion on Russian fossil fuels (up from $52 billion in 2021), and it recently resumed Australian coal imports at over 5 million tons per month.
Europe’s response to the energy crisis includes the €210 billion REPowerEU plan to eliminate Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, centered on diversifying gas supply, accelerating renewables, and boosting energy efficiency. Hydrogen, as an energy vector, is a byproduct of a rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, serving as a strategic enabler for industrial decarbonization. This research effort will analyze how both continents are implementing renewables as fast as possible to secure energy resilience and build a self-sufficient, decarbonized industrial base.
In this presentation, Dr. Stoicescu will draw from his academic research and practical experience to illustrate how renewable energy has become the catalyst for a new sustainable economic paradigm in both regions. As noted by the International Renewable Energy Agency, “Renewables, in combination with energy efficiency, now form the leading edge of a far-reaching global energy transition”. My talk will explore this transition in depth, comparing European and Chinese approaches and highlighting the profound impact of renewables on energy efficiency and independence. The recent global perception change in sustainability clearly sheds the proper light on this sector, respectively its extraordinary effect of insuring energy independence when implemented correctly.
Both Europe and China are working towards this goal, and surprisingly for independence from one of the same actors. Therefore, we need to show how RFNBOs and biological resources generate new value chains and expand economies.
CarbonZero: Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials for Cement and Construction Global Conference and Exhibition will be held in Bucharest, Romania, on October 15-16, 2025.
Register now as tickets are limited and aimed at decision makers in the cement and construction industry looking at decarbonising through using alternative fuels and cementitious materials all around the globe. Past participants to this event have been surprised by the insights, networking and productivity of the event for their businesses.
Get your ticket, here: https://industrylink.eu/event/carbonzero-2025/
PLATINUM Sponsors: Eco Material Technologies, Firefly
Gold Sponsor: FCT Combustion
Among other speakers:
· Grant Quasha – Chairman and CEO, Eco Material Technologies ( Platinum Sponsor)
· Erkam Kocakerim – CEO, Limak Cement
· Chris Davies, Director of CCS Europe
· Mihai Tomescu – Expert, Energy and Environment, European Environment Agency
· Lilik Unggul Raharjo – Chairman, Indonesia Cement Association
· Alexandru Ciocan – Senior Researcher / Energy Policy Adviser, Energy Policy Group
· Maged Mostafa, COO, Arabian Cement Company
· Luyue Tan – Carbon Market Specialist, LSEG
· Tien Peng – Co-Founder, Green Plum Street
· Marta Diez – Country Manager (Spain & Portugal), CFP Energy
· Gabriela Constantin – Transitions Programme Manager, Climate Bonds Initiative
· Ana-Maria Velica – Global Sustainable Procurement Expert, Wesoda
· Vlad Gradinariu – Director of Operations, Green Apples Career
· Mohammed Fouad, Business Excellence Director, Riyad Cement Saudi Arabia
· Mahmoud Mohsen, Sustainability General Manager – Misr Cement Group Egypt
After the CarbonZero event we are hosting Women in Cement and Construction International Congress (Women in CemCo) EMEA Edition, on October 16-17, 2025.
Women in CemCo is a vital platform dedicated to driving progress in the construction industry, focusing on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality. It brings together industry leaders to inspire innovation and foster meaningful change. Extend your stay or join for this unique event celebrating the impact women have on the industry! Email us for more details and the event program at contact@industrylink.eu.
