The dairy sector faces a double challenge in 2025: rising energy costs and the need to align with the objectives of the European Green Deal. Milk processing plants are among the largest energy consumers in the food industry, and Eurostat studies show that in 2024 energy costs increased by 14% across the European Union.

In Romania, small and medium-sized plants are the most affected, many of them operating with outdated equipment. Regulation (EU) No. 2018/1999 on energy governance requires reducing consumption and increasing the share of renewable sources.

Through the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, processors can access funds for investments in photovoltaic panels, cogeneration systems, and energy recovery technologies.

According to a report by the European Dairy Association, plants that have implemented energy efficiency solutions have reduced costs by up to 20% and increased competitiveness on the European market.

For the Romanian industry, the transition to energy efficiency is not only a legal obligation but also a condition for maintaining its position in a competitive market.

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