Energy security represents a fundamental pillar of economic sustainability, being defined as a state’s ability to ensure continuous, reliable, and affordable access to energy resources. In the context of recent geopolitical shifts, such as worldwide military conflicts, the vulnerabilities of energy systems have become evident, highlighting the interdependence between energy security and economic stability. Analyzing energy security involves assessing the diversification of sources, supply routes, critical infrastructure, and the degree of dependence on imports. The transition to renewable sources, in line with the objectives established by the European Union, contributes to reducing the risks associated with fossil market volatility and to strengthening economic resilience. At the same time, the integration of digital technologies and the development of storage capacities increase the flexibility of energy systems. Evaluating energy security must include indicators regarding price accessibility, environmental sustainability, and institutional capacity for crisis management. By aligning energy policies with macroeconomic and climate strategies, states can prevent major energy crises, mitigate the impact of external shocks, and ensure long-term sustainable economic development. The study highlights and brings to light Romania’s energy security situation by conducting an in-depth analysis of the Romanian Power System and assessing the most severe vulnerabilities and risks that could jeopardize the proper functioning of the system and the supply to electricity consumers. Based on these findings, various strategies for the safety, security, and resilience of the Romanian Power System have been developed.

Ensuring occupational safety in underground mines is a fundamental priority due to the major risks associated with this unfriendly work environment. This involves employing a set of technical, organizational, and educational measures to reduce the hazards for workers and minimize the risks of accidents and occupational diseases due to electrical and mechanical causes. Old and precarious coal extraction methods, in conjunction with obsolete infrastructure and electrical and mechanical installations, lead to high accident risk, endangering the lives of underground workers when at work. Precarious working conditions and working materials alongside the carelessness of decision makers make underground mine-based work a major cause of accidents and professional illnesses. In this paper, the authors identify, estimate, prioritize, and evaluate the vulnerabilities within underground mines and discuss the actions and resources necessary to mitigate, stop, and/or eliminate these vulnerabilities, as well as a mitigation strategy for stopping and/or eliminating them to achieve increased occupational safety.

The assessment of technical incident risk, disturbance or technical damage at Lupeni Mine comes in the context in which the possibility of a power failure is very likely due to very old coal mining methods, very precarious facilities and equipment and lack of investment. The danger of electric shock is imminent and poses a clear threat to the safety of the workers. In some unfortunate cases, failure to comply with electrical safety can cause the risk of life-threatening explosions of underground workers. The authors assessed the risk of technical incident, technical disturbance or technical damage and developed recommendations on how to eliminate such risks.

The National Mining System is one of the most important national systems because it provides the necessary coal (anthracite, hard coal, lignite, peat, etc.) to ensure the energy security of Romania, as well as fuel for the steel and cement industry. But as any national system is not one hundred percent secure, it is subject to elements of instability and insecurity that are quantified in dysfunctions, deficiencies and nonconformities, which are in fact the main sources of undesirable events with an insecurity effect. These system elements, dysfunctions, deficiencies and non-conformities, are the main sources of vulnerability generation, which can have disastrous effects that can cause energy and national crises. In this paper, the authors identified, defined and propagated all the systemic elements of instability and insecurity within the National Mining System.

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources and the growing vulnerability of centralized power systems to natural hazards, terrorist attacks, acts of sabotage, technical incidents, and operational uncertainties have intensified the need for resilient and secure energy infrastructures. Microgrids have emerged as a promising solution to enhance energy security by enabling the localized generation, autonomous operation, and flexible integration of renewable energy sources. However, their effective deployment introduces complex risks related to technical, economic, and operational uncertainties. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for risk management in microgrids within modern power systems, aiming to improve the overall security and resilience of Romania’s power system. The study systematically identifies and evaluates the main risk scenarios affecting the power system: natural disasters, terrorist attacks, acts of sabotage, and technical incidents. In addition, to achieve an in-depth analysis, the paper also discusses the SWOT and PESTEL analyses of the Romanian power system, as well as its resilience. A multi-level risk assessment methodology is proposed, combining probabilistic analysis with severity (impact) analysis. The proposed approach is validated through case studies based on risk scenario assessments, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving microgrid performance under diverse disturbance conditions. The results highlight the critical role of proactive risk management in supporting energy security objectives, while ensuring stable and resilient operation of the Romanian power system. This research contributes to the development of adaptive and sustainable power systems, capable of addressing future challenges in an increasingly decentralized energy landscape, and can be adapted to any modern power system worldwide.

A adaptable, resilient, safe and secure power system is essential for ensuring energy and national security, having a direct impact on a state's economy, social stability, and well-being through the following requirements: Ensuring continuity of power supply (a robust power system guarantees uninterrupted access to electricity for citizens, institutions, and industries, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by technical deficiencies, cyberattacks, or geopolitical instability); Energy independence and reduction of external dependence (a state that produces sufficient electricity from its own sources is less vulnerable to international market fluctuations and external pressures, while diversifying energy sources—renewable, nuclear, hydrocarbons—reduces import dependence and economic vulnerability); Security of power infrastructure (protecting electricity networks from physical and cyberattacks is essential for the normal functioning of society, and developing modern infrastructure—smart grids, electricity storage—ensures the resilience of the energy system); Economic stability and national development (an efficient power system supports industry, agriculture, and services, contributing to economic growth, while lower energy costs enhance economic competitiveness and attract investments); Environmental protection and energy transition (adopting renewable sources and clean technologies reduces dependence on fossil fuels and minimizes environmental impact, while increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions are essential for long-term sustainability); Strategic and geopolitical role (countries with significant energy resources have greater influence on the international stage, and regional energy cooperation can strengthen diplomatic and economic relations). A secure and efficient energy system is the backbone of national security, guaranteeing economic stability, strategic independence, and population protection. Investments in modern infrastructure, clean technologies, and diversification of energy sources are crucial for the energy future of any nation. The authors of this study have identified all elements of instability and insecurity within Romania's Power System, and they assessed the vulnerability Poor management of the transmission operator activity and risk of Natural Disaster, that could generate the Energy Crisis – black-out.