Romania is poised to become one of the most important players in Europe’s offshore wind energy sector, according to the World Bank’s “Offshore Wind Roadmap for Romania” report. The study details Romania’s tremendous potential to develop wind energy projects in the Black Sea, with investments estimated at €19 billion by 2035. According to the report, the projects will add around 7GW of new capacity to the national power system and the offshore wind industry could create up to 77,000 jobs.
The Black Sea’s impressive potential for wind energy
According to the study, Romania has a total potential of 76GW in the Black Sea, of which 22GW on fixed platforms and 54GW on floating platforms, making it the country with the largest energy potential in Europe. Romania’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea was analyzed in detail, and the wind speed in this region is estimated at 7.5-8 m/s, excellent conditions for the development of wind farms. Experts estimate that the first major projects, with a capacity between 3GW and 7GW, will be operational by 2035. “Offshore wind energy is green, price-competitive and has a significant multiplier effect on the local economy,” said Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja. He emphasized that next year Romania will finalize the study on the optimal locations for future offshore wind power plants, with the continued support of the World Bank, the European Commission and the US State Department.
Innovative legal framework and EU support for wind projects
An essential step in the realization of these projects was the adoption of the offshore wind energy law, making Romania the first country in the Black Sea basin with a clear and attractive legislative framework for investors. This competitive advantage gives Romania the opportunity to become a regional hub for wind energy and play a key role in ensuring the region’s energy security and independence. “We are a few steps ahead of other countries in the region and we need to keep up the pace. If we continue to be the first, Romania has the chance to become a regional leader in the offshore wind energy sector,” Burduja added, thanking the European Commission and DG Reform for their support. This ambitious project will not only make a significant contribution to Romania’s green energy transition, but will also boost the local economy by creating tens of thousands of jobs, developing infrastructure and attracting new foreign investment.
