Cristian Dragomir, CEO WALDEVAR Energy: Building the Energy of the Future
Cristian Dragomir, the CEO of the company, details what energy of the future means for WALDEVAR Energy, and how they will build a brighter tomorrow.
WALDEVAR Energy provides EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) solutions for C&I, utility scale ground-mounted and floating photovoltaic plants. Having more than a decade of experience in the renewable energy market, the company operates both domestically and across Europe. WALDEVAR Energy has commissioned numerous active PV parks and is able to independently develop complete PV power system architecture: technical, feasibility or design studies, specific yield and performance ratio reports, inside the fence and grid connection engineering, installation, testing and commissioning.
The company also has professional specialists available at any time to perform complex Pull-Out tests, civil construction works, installation of fixed structures and tracking systems. Furthermore, by providing Operation & Maintenance services, they offer to their clients benefits on multiple levels: substantial increase in revenue, increased efficiency of energy delivery, extended system lifetime and environmental sustainability.
With over a decade of experience in the Power and Automation industry, Cristian Dragomir is currently the CEO of WALDEVAR Energy, a leading renewable energy company. He has developed international expertise through key roles in major projects across Europe and the Middle East. Cristian is skilled in managing cross-functional teams and driving projects to successful completion using effective management strategies. Holding a System Engineering degree from UTC Bucharest and an MBA in Energy, Cristian now leads one of Romania’s most dynamic EPC companies.
Dear Cristian Dragomir, what is it like to lead an EPC company in Romania after managing major projects in the Middle East and Europe? Why did you choose Romania and why WALDEVAR Energy?
Cristian Dragomir: I didn’t choose Romania; Romania chose me. I was born in Slatina and studied at the UTCB , specializing in System Engineering. Here, I took my first steps in the renewable energy industry. I draw my strength from this place! It is natural for me to want to return, to create, and to evolve as a person in the environment from which I derive my energy.
My international experience, while serving more as education than employment, has prepared me well for what I do today. Working in the energy sector in Saudi Arabia and with European companies, I developed a strong work ethic and absorbed the mindset of influential corporations, learning how to grow and develop a business effectively and efficiently in this crucial sector of any economic system. All these experiences have been fundamental to my development as an energy professional.
Before becoming the CEO of the fastest-growing company in the industry, I was—and remain—an energy man. This is also why the board members of WALDEVAR Energy placed their trust in me, allowing me to commit to a partnership rather than just a top management role.
Could you describe WALDEVAR Energy’s business portfolio in more detail?
Cristian Dragomir: Over 800 MWp commissioned in the last two years! This is the installed capacity of more than 40 projects in WALDEVAR Energy’s portfolio. We have projects in Romania and across Europe, including a 130 MWp project in Călugăreni, Giurgiu and a 45 MWp project in Petershagen, Germany.
Our portfolio is diverse, encompassing a wide range of beneficiaries and construction solutions. Some projects are full EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), while others focus on balance of systems (BoS). For certain projects, we do not simply hand over the park to the beneficiary; we also provide O&M (Operations & Maintenance) services to ensure maximum profitability throughout the entire lifecycle of the generating asset.
Currently, we are one of the few Romanian companies equipped with both specialized personnel and a fleet of machinery capable of delivering industrial photovoltaic parks on time and under exceptional quality conditions. Our work has been validated by our beneficiaries, whether they are investment funds, independent power producers (IPPs), or municipalities.
However, our ambition goes beyond being a market leader in EPC; we aim to be an integrator of renewable energy solutions. We are rapidly advancing the development of our Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) division, which will enhance our service offerings with innovative storage solutions. Our goal is to integrate storage solutions into all energy projects to optimize investment costs. Essentially, WALDEVAR Energy intends to anticipate market trends by incorporating the newest technologies into its services.
Additionally, we have a significant asset in our company—a factory in Tunari, where we will manufacture comprehensive floating photovoltaic systems through our specialized Floating PV division. We also have several intriguing projects in the pipeline, which we will unveil in a future article, establishing us as the only company in Europe producing floating photovoltaic systems.
Briefly, the main figures about WALDEVAR Energy are…
Cristian Dragomir: WALDEVAR Energy has contracted and delivered over 800 MWp in turnkey projects to our beneficiaries. Our team comprises more than 850 dedicated professionals. Just a few months ago, we celebrated a significant milestone when we pounded the 1.000.000th structure pole, bringing our total solar panels installed to over 10 million. We possess the largest fleet of specialized photovoltaic machinery and equipment in the country and operate five offices across Europe, with plans to open a subsidiary outside the continent soon. Compared to 2023, we have more than doubled our turnover which awarded us for the Fastest Growth and Expansion in the Energy Sector at the IMM Gala at the Romanian Athenaeum.
While these achievements are impressive, they merely signal what lies ahead in 2025-2026, when we intend to double again those numbers.
What is the real differentiator that separates WALDEVAR Energy from your key competitors and may give the company some advantages in your target market?
Cristian Dragomir: The Energy of the People: our main differentiator!
Currently, approximately 850 individuals are employed at WALDEVAR Energy, making us the largest EPC employer in the industry. We oversee a diverse range of employees and take pride in our highly skilled and ANRE-certified specialists with a proven industry track record, who can ensure the smooth designed execution of operational processes both nationally and across Europe. Our organization boasts the highest employee retention rates in the industry.
Eager to invest in our workforce, we have established a training and education center in Timișoara as part of a pilot initiative aimed at equipping on-the-job operators of earthmoving equipment. Additionally, we provide specialized training for locksmiths, which is essential for panel assembly. WALDEVAR Energy is poised to evolve into a leading institution for training energy technicians.
Moreover, our ability to manage an industrial PV project from due diligence to turnkey handover, while offering O&M services upon request, positions us as a one-stop shop. This comprehensive approach is a competitive advantage that any investor recognizes as added value when seeking our services.
Some promising energy sources of the future – like solar, wind, hydrogen, nuclear fusion, ocean thermal energy conversion, and tidal and wave energy, are being researched or developed. How does WALDEVAR Energy see the energy of the future?
Cristian Dragomir: The law of conservation of energy states that the energy can neither be created nor be destroyed. Energy does not disappear. So, the energy of the future is already here and can only be transformed from one form to another. WALDEVAR Energy is ready 100% to take part in this transformation whether we are talking about photovoltaic parks on the solid ground or on water. To facilitate an effective transformation, it is essential to engage all companies within the sector, alongside the support of governmental bodies. This includes not only regulatory frameworks but also initiatives aimed at raising awareness and fostering a sustainable mindset. Romania is far from being a country where the renewable energy sector is a national priority. But we are taking important steps towards it and, through internationally recognized industry professionals, we hope to catch up with other European countries such as Germany or Spain which are leaders in this field.
What are the most important current and future projects in Romania and abroad for WALDEVAR Energy?
Cristian Dragomir: I have never liked comparing company projects. What matters most to us is delivering a job well done. We are currently nearing the completion of the 45 MWp project in Petershagen, Germany, and we can confidently say that we have approached this project with the same commitment as we did for the 63 MWp park in Mihailesti, Giurgiu or Roata de Jos park, 22 MWp, in Dolj. Our focus is on deliverables and ensuring the satisfaction of our beneficiaries, as in this industry, the most asset is the recommendation of those who have already partnered with us.
Regarding the future WALDEVAR Energy has one goal: to be the strongest company in the market, equipped to deliver projects exceeding 800 MWp/ year under optimal conditions while adhering to the highest quality standards. In 2025-2026 we are prepared to deliver up to 2,25 Gigawatts in 24 new PPVPs that are expected to enter WALDEVAR’s Energy portfolio. Comparing the past with what we are aiming for in the future, we will basically make the leap from 0.8 – 1 Giga to 2.25 Giga in less than 2 years. I believe that we, the WALDEVAR Energy team, have managed to correctly scale the business, anticipate trends and consistently outperform.
Energy storage is a crucial technology to provide the necessary flexibility, stability, and reliability for the energy system of the future. How are you acting in this regard?
Cristian Dragomir: As previously noted, we are actively developing the BESS division – Battery Energy Storage Systems — an essential component that the market demands rather than a mere nice-to-have addition. In today’s landscape, no company that counts in the renewable energy sector can afford to confine itself to providing only construction solutions. To remain competitive and among the leaders in energy solutions, it is imperative to offer a comprehensive suite of integrated services, including both storage and O&M – operations and maintenance, in addition to constructing photovoltaic parks.
How will WALDEVAR Energy monetize the energy of the future? What means for you a brighter tomorrow and how are you going to build it?
Cristian Dragomir: WALDEVAR Energy is guided by two fundamental values that are both interconnected and complementary: people and energy. Energy production is impossible without empowering individuals to contribute to it. With our current projects, we are increasingly focused on ESG initiatives that prioritize people. We will emphasize the establishment of pilot educational centers to train energy professionals—WALDEVAR School—and actively engage with local communities near our photovoltaic projects. Our commitment to environmental sustainability remains a top priority.
With an engineering background, I approach this mission with strategic and technical insight, recognizing the significance of universal physical laws. The first law of thermodynamics states that the total energy of a system and its environment remains constant, and that energy can be transferred as heat or mechanical work. Thus, the energy of the future relies on our investment today in nurturing talent and ensuring quality work.
