INTERVIEW Razvan Copoiu, ENEVO: “We want to significantly scale up our renewable energy portfolio over the next five years”

“Combining my 25 years of experience with the technical expertise, innovation, and sustainability of such a dynamic company like ENEVO, “made in Romania”, this gives me the satisfaction to be Romanian, and be proud that I can contribute on the growth of one of the most competitive and influential player in the global energy market,” Razvan Copoiu, Deputy CEO, ENEVO Group told The Diplomat-Bucharest.

“Over the next five years, one of the key milestones we aim to achieve is growth. We want to significantly scale up our renewable energy portfolio, targeting the development and implementation of 500+ MWp of solar and other renewable energy projects like BESS, energy trading and others. This growth will help position ENEVO as a leader in the transition to clean energy.

We will continue to expand our team locally and globally, ensuring we attract top talent from around the world. A key focus will be to develop more specialists on our core business, the design and software capabilities, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which is crucial for driving innovation.”

With 25 years of experience in the energy sector, what motivated you to join ENEVO, and what aspects of the company excited you the most?

I was motivated to join ENEVO Group by the company’s strategic focus on becoming a key player in renewable energy, automation, and cybersecurity. My extensive experience in leading multinational companies, such as Schneider Electric, Signify, Siemens, Alstom-GE or ABB, gave me a strong background and connections in energy management, industrial automation, and digital solutions. This expertise aligned perfectly with ENEVO’s vision of growth, innovation, and expansion into international markets. This was to me an unique opportunity to apply my skills in a dynamic, rapidly growing company that is positioning itself as a leader in smart grid solutions and the green energy transition. My decision was also driven by ENEVO’s commitment to sustainability and its potential to influence the future of energy on a global scale. At the same time, it was important for me to help growing a company “made in Romania”.

How has your previous experience in large corporations helped shape your leadership style, and how do you think that will benefit Enevo’s growth strategy?

My experience in multinational companies played a significant role in shaping my leadership style, that is characterized by a strategic focus on innovation and medium- and long-term strategy, operational efficiency, and team empowerment. As I was involved in managing diverse teams and projects across various regions, this exposed me to global markets, complex business environments, and cutting-edge technological solutions. All this mix of expertise has equipped me with the tools to lead ENEVO through its next phase of growth. Global level.

As ENEVO Group aims to expand its presence in international markets and strengthen its position in renewable energy and automation, my background and connections will help foster strategic partnerships, streamline operations, and ensure the company remains agile in adapting to industry trends. In addition, my ability to implement digital transformation strategies and drive innovation will benefit ENEVO not only by enhancing the offer and the international coverage in smart grids and cybersecurity, positioning the company as a key player in the global energy transition, but also internally, by helping the implementation of new digital and AI-driven tools, leading in the end to a full digital transformation of the company.

What are the biggest challenges in transitioning ENEVO from a Romanian company to a multinational entity?

Transitioning ENEVO from a Romanian company to a multinational entity presents several significant challenges, including cultural adaptation to fit diverse international markets. Expanding globally means integrating employees from various cultures and managing cross-border teams. At the same time, ENEVO must comply with different regulations in each country it enters, particularly in sectors like energy and automation, where compliance with local laws and international standards is critical. Ensuring that the company meets these requirements without compromising operational efficiency is a major challenge.

Most important, expanding into new markets means establishing and nurturing partnerships with local stakeholders, including suppliers, government bodies, and clients. This requires ENEVO to build competences in new regions, which can take time and significant investment, plus managing a global supply chain can be challenging, especially when sourcing materials for complex energy and automation projects.

In the end, we have the marketing part. Although ENEVO is well-established in Romania and Saudi Arabia, expanding into new markets means building brand recognition from the ground up. Competing against established international players requires significant investment in marketing, networking, and establishing credibility in the eyes of potential clients and partners.

Addressing these challenges with strategic leadership will be key to ENEVO’s successful transformation into a multinational entity.

As the Deputy CEO, how do you manage balancing long-term strategic goals with the immediate operational challenges of scaling internationally?

As Deputy CEO, balancing long-term strategic goals with immediate operational challenges requires several key focus approaches. I focus on ensuring that both short-term operational needs and long-term strategic goals are clearly prioritized and aligned. This means communicating the company’s vision to the team, so they understand how their immediate tasks contribute to the larger mission.

Delegating operational decision-making to local teams allows them to handle specific challenges more efficiently. This decentralization frees up the Managing Board to focus on broader, long-term strategies. At the same time, it empowers teams on the ground to respond quickly to operational demands.

I conclude with the most important requirement: KPIs. Regularly tracking both operational KPIs and long-term performance metrics ensures that we are not sacrificing one for the other. Operational KPIs help us identify immediate issues, while strategic KPIs allow us to measure progress toward our growth objectives, ensuring both aspects are managed effectively.

In this dual role, my ability to remain flexible, keep a speed of implementation adapted at the team’s needs, and always create data-driven analysis is critical for successfully balancing immediate operational challenges with the long-term growth and expansion goals of ENEVO Group.

What markets do you see as key targets, and how will you tailor your approach to each market’s unique regulatory environment?

ENEVO identifies several key markets as targets for expansion, particularly those with strong demand for renewable energy and digital automation solutions.

If we take Western Europe, countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France are leaders in the energy transition, with ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy. ENEVO’s focus here would be on providing cutting-edge photovoltaic solutions and energy automation systems, while navigating stringent environmental regulations and energy efficiency standards. Our unique EMS software (Energy Monitoring Systems) will be the door-opener, and we will target multiple countries, like DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) and others, by setting up local subsidiaries.

If we talk about Eastern Europe and the Balkans, these regions offer emerging opportunities as they increasingly turn to renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Tailoring the approach here means navigating less mature regulatory environments and ensuring compliance with evolving EU energy policies. The focus will be the PV projects, and price will be the key success factor.

For Middle East is different, as with growing investments in renewable energy, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as we are quite mature on this market. Our focus is to grow with projects in oil&gas, at major companies such as SABIC, Saudi ARAMCO, KJO, SEC, Hadeed, Chemanol and other major ones. The company is also tailoring its approach by aligning with local regulatory requirements, such as those set by the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center and the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050.

In each of these markets, ENEVO will adapt its approach by aligning with local regulatory frameworks, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring that its solutions meet both global standards and local needs.

What role does innovation play in ENEVO’s global expansion strategy, particularly in adopting new energy technologies or sustainable practices?

Innovation is a cornerstone of ENEVO’s global expansion strategy, especially in the adoption of new energy technologies and software, and sustainable practices. The company recognizes that staying at the forefront of technological advancements is key to both its competitive advantage and its ability to scale internationally.

ENEVO has placed a significant focus on the development of solar energy solutions, particularly photovoltaic systems and battery storage BESS, which are central to many of its projects in both developed and emerging markets. By integrating innovative control systems and smart grids, ENEVO ensures its solutions are efficient, scalable, and in line with the growing global demand for cleaner energy sources. The company is committed to sustainable practices, not just by providing renewable energy solutions but also by enhancing energy efficiency in industrial automation.

ENEVO’s projects often include the implementation of smart and secure grid technologies, which optimize energy use and ensure systems are both environmentally friendly and resilient to disruptions. ENEVO’s development of innovative solutions like SENTRY.OT, a software platform designed to protect critical energy infrastructure from cyberattacks, proves the company’s commitment to integrate cutting-edge technology into its global strategy. As energy grids become more connected, ensuring cybersecurity is a vital part of sustainable energy solutions.

In addition to renewable energy, ENEVO’s global strategy involves deploying advanced automation systems, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), EMS (Energy Management Systems) and digital tools to improve efficiency in energy production and distribution. This innovation ensures that energy projects are not only sustainable but also highly efficient, aligning with the global trend toward digitalization in energy management.

Maybe to conclude with less words, innovation drives ENEVO’s ability to meet the unique demands of international markets, from adopting new energy technologies to advancing sustainability and digital transformation. This focus on innovation positions the company as a future leader in the global energy transition.

You’ve held senior leadership positions in global corporations. What have been your biggest learnings from these experiences, and how do they guide your decision-making at ENEVO?

My experiences in senior leadership roles at global corporations have provided me with invaluable lessons that have now shaped my decision-making at ENEVO. In multinational corporations, I learned that agility is key to success, especially in rapidly changing industries like energy. The ability to adapt quickly to market changes, regulatory shifts, and technological advancements is critical. At ENEVO, we apply this by fostering a culture of flexibility and quick decision-making, allowing us to stay ahead in a competitive global market.

Managing international teams in previous roles taught me the value of diverse perspectives. I’ve seen how inclusivity, leveraging diverse talent and focusing on bringing young students from university, lead to better problem-solving and innovation, and this we are applying at ENEVO.

My experience has underscored that customer needs should drive the decision. Understanding the nuances of different markets and being adaptable to meet these unique requirements is essential. At ENEVO, this means tailoring our energy solutions to fit the specific regulatory, cultural, and business landscapes of each country we enter.

Last but not the least, in global roles I learned the balance between having a long-term vision while managing day-to-day operational efficiency. At ENEVO, we ensure that our strategic goals—such as expanding into new markets and investing in renewable energy technologies—are supported by solid operational foundations that ensure sustainable growth.

These learnings guide my leadership at ENEVO, helping the company navigate the complexities of scaling globally while remaining innovative and customer focused.

What are the key milestones you want to achieve within the next 5 years to position ENEVO as a leader in the global energy market?

Over the next five years, one of the key milestones we aim to achieve is growth. We want to significantly scale up our renewable energy portfolio, targeting the development and implementation of 500+ MWp of solar and other renewable energy projects like BESS, energy trading and others. This growth will help position ENEVO as a leader in the transition to clean energy.

Another major milestone is the expansion of our international presence as a critical goal to solidify and expand our footprint in key international markets, particularly in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. By establishing deeper partnerships and increasing project delivery in these regions, we aim to position ENEVO as a trusted provider of renewable energy solutions and smart grid technologies.

Also, ENEVO will be at the forefront of smart grid technologies and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. A key milestone will be the continued development and global deployment of our SENTRY.OT platform, ensuring the safety and resilience of energy networks across various markets.

Over the next five years, we will continue to expand our Team locally and globally, ensuring we attract top talent from around the world. A key focus will be to develop more specialists on our core business, the design and software capabilities, fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which is crucial for driving innovation.

All the above will not be possible without the milestone of optimizing the operational efficiency and scalability as we grow. This includes streamlining supply chains, improving project execution, and ensuring that we maintain a balance between growth, profit and operational stability.

How do you see the energy landscape evolving in the next decade, and where do you envision ENEVO fitting into that future?

Over the next decade, the energy landscape will undergo significant transformations, driven by the global push for decarbonization, technological advancements, and the increasing demand for clean, reliable, and resilient energy systems.

Some of the key trends that will shape the future include the accelerated shift toward renewable energy: the energy mix will see a substantial shift towards renewables, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. Countries are setting aggressive carbon-neutral goals, and advancements in energy storage and grid technology will make renewables more reliable and efficient. ENEVO is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend by expanding its portfolio of renewable energy projects, particularly in solar power, and providing innovative smart grid solutions to enhance energy distribution and reliability.

Another trend is the digitalization, including smart grids: the future energy landscape will be heavily influenced by digital transformation, with the rise of smart grids, AI-powered energy management systems, and IoT-driven automation. ENEVO’s focus on developing advanced SCADA systems and the SENTRY.OT cybersecurity platform aligns with the growing need for secure, intelligent infrastructure that can manage complex, decentralized energy networks.

The third trend as we see is energy storage. As more renewables are integrated into the grid, energy storage solutions, such as batteries and hydrogen, will become essential to balance supply and demand. Additionally, the electrification of transport and industries will increase electricity consumption, creating new opportunities for companies like ENEVO to develop innovative solutions for energy storage and distribution.

And here we reach another key trend, the decentralization of the energy systems: there will be a shift from centralized power generation to more decentralized systems, where local renewable energy generation, microgrids, and distributed energy resources play a larger role. ENEVO will contribute by providing solutions that support decentralization, such as energy automation, grid management, and local energy generation projects.

In this evolving landscape, ENEVO envisions itself as a leader in renewable energy integration, smart grid technology, and secure energy infrastructure. By leveraging innovation and expanding its international presence, ENEVO aims to be at the forefront of the global energy transition, helping build a sustainable and resilient energy future.

How do you plan to leverage new technologies or digitalization to drive efficiency and innovation within ENEVO’s operations?

To drive efficiency and innovation within ENEVO’s operations, we plan to leverage new technologies and digitalization in several keyways.

ENEVO is actively investing in smart grid solutions that enable real-time monitoring and automation of energy networks. By integrating advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, EMS (Energy Management Systems) and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, we aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize energy distribution. These technologies allow for predictive maintenance and more efficient grid management, ensuring that both renewable energy sources and traditional grids are operated at peak performance. And we are software vendor agnostic, our software team can integrate all the major platforms worldwide (Siemens, Schneider Electric, AVEVA, ABB, Phoenix Contact, Honeywell, Yokogawa, Rockwell Automation and others).

One of the next steps in our digitalization strategy is the integration of digital twin technologies, where real-time data from energy assets are modeled digitally to simulate performance, predict issues, and optimize operations. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI) that we are currently working on integration, this will significantly enhance decision-making processes, allowing ENEVO to improve project execution timelines, optimize energy generation, and reduce operational costs.

To improve efficiency in global operations, ENEVO is using cloud-based platforms for our software. By leveraging big data analytics, ENEVO can continuously monitor the performance of energy systems and use insights to drive efficiency improvements. This data-driven approach helps identify inefficiencies, optimize energy usage, and forecast future energy demands, which is crucial for managing both renewable and traditional energy assets.

I left at the end our special “wunderkind”, ENEVO’s SENTRY.OT. This platform is designed to protect critical infrastructure by providing real-time monitoring, threat detection, and mitigation strategies for energy networks. This focus on cybersecurity is not just about defense; it also helps maintain operational continuity and build trust with clients and partners by ensuring the resilience of their energy systems.

In conclusion, ENEVO Group has established itself as a versatile and innovative player in the energy and automation sectors, with a clear focus on sustainability, technological advancement, and global expansion. The company excels in delivering complex energy solutions, particularly in the renewable energy space, with significant investments in solar power, BESS and smart grid technologies. By leveraging cutting-edge software and cybersecurity solutions like SENTRY.OT, ENEVO demonstrates its commitment to both operational efficiency and resilience in an increasingly digitalized energy landscape.

Furthermore, ENEVO’s ability to adapt its solutions to diverse international markets, while maintaining high standards in project execution, positions it as a key contributor to the global energy transition

In the end, to answer the question of why did I come to ENEVO Group, I would say that combining my 25 years of experience with the technical expertise, innovation, and sustainability of such a dynamic company like ENEVO, “made in Romania”, this gives me the satisfaction to be Romanian, and be proud that I can contribute on the growth of one of the most competitive and influential player in the global energy market.      

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