The Romanian government has published a new roadmap to help realise a potential up to 7GW of offshore wind capacity in the country, supported by the European Commission and World Bank Group.
The blueprint was produced as part of the project ‘Internal energy market and energy transition in Romania’ which received technical support from the EC’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support.
The scheme was funded by the EU via the Technical Support Instrument and was implemented by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC), with the support of DG REFORM and in collaboration with the government of Romania.
The Offshore Wind Roadmap for Romania provides strategic analysis and outlines a vision for the development of a successful offshore wind industry.
Backed by a good wind resource, well-equipped port facilities, proven steel-based supply chain and skilled local workforce, the sector offers the country a large-scale domestic source of clean energy.
The emerging industry also presents new opportunities for long-term jobs and holds potential to bolster economic growth across a prospective Black Sea regional renewables market.
The plan highlights the potential for up to 7GW of offshore wind capacity to be installed within Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea and explores the impact of two different offshore wind growth scenarios located at least 50km from shore and situated predominantly in shallow waters suitable for fixed-bottom foundations.
The scenarios chart two realistic paths for Romania to meet its future electricity needs:
The first is for low growth, which assumes 3GW of capacity is installed to supply 16% of Romania’s electricity needs (by TWh) by the end of 2035.
In this scenario, it is estimated that supply chain activities would create €1.4bn ($1.5bn) gross value added to the local economy in this period.
The second scenario is for high growth, which assumes 7GW of offshore wind power is installed to supply 37% of Romania’s electricity needs by the end of 2035.
In this situation, it is estimated that supply chain activities would create €5.3bn ($5.9bn) gross value added to the local economy in this period, 3.7 times as much as in the low growth scenario.
To achieve these scenarios, the roadmap highlights priority themes and recommended actions for the Romanian government consider.
This includes further clarity on energy strategy with targets for offshore wind deployment up to 2035; the establishment of development zones in the most suitable locations; viable frameworks for licensing, leasing, permitting and offtake; significant upgrades of the transmission network; and support to key areas of Romania’s supply chain.
“The study conducted by the World Bank highlights the potential of offshore wind energy in the Black Sea and the opportunities for Romania’s economic and energy development,” said Minister of Energy for the Government of Romania Sebastian-Ioan Burduja.
He added: “This new roadmap can play a crucial role in strengthening Romania’s energy security and facilitating the transition to a green economy, in line with the objectives of the European Union.
The adoption of Law 121/2024 on offshore wind energy, supported by the roadmap, creates a solid legal foundation for the development of this sector, while taking utmost care for environmental protection measures in the production areas.
“Furthermore, developing appropriate financing mechanisms will support the creation and expansion of offshore wind farms, as well as the necessary infrastructure.
“The success of offshore wind projects depends on international cooperation and therefore I am grateful for the close collaboration with the World Bank and European Union to help achieve our renewable energy goals.
“Collaboration with international stakeholders and other countries in the Black Sea region will enable technology transfer and the development of joint projects, supporting the integration of offshore wind into regional grids in the following years.”
The EU’s Director for Support to Member State Reforms Nathalie Berger said: “The European Commission has provided technical support to Romania for the development and implementation of a set of market driven reform proposals that will aim at strengthening the national energy market and support the country’s energy transition.
“Particularly, we worked on an implementation roadmap for the development of offshore wind in Romania and we are convinced this initiative will provide certainty to investors and boost clean and affordable energy for citizens and companies throughout Romania.
“This initiative also contributes to Romania’s efforts in meeting the European Green Deal targets.”
Co-lead of World Bank Offshore Wind Development Program Sean Whittaker added: “The purpose of this roadmap is to provide a good understanding about offshore wind in Romania and help inform decision-making for the development of a successful industry.
“The analysis makes it clear that the Black Sea is a promising new frontier in European offshore wind and presents significant untapped potential to meet Romania’s long-term renewable energy goals.
“The relatively shallow coastal waters make it technically and economically easier to install wind turbines.
“The strategic location allows access to large parts of the European energy market, helping integrate offshore wind into regional grids in the future.”