The Ministry of Energy of Romania, Sebastian Burduja, announced the launch, for the first time, after two years of work, of this report “Offshore Wind Roadmap for Romania,” a study conducted by the World Bank that highlights the impact and potential of offshore wind energy development in Romania, as well as the economic and social opportunities this industry could bring to the country.  

The report reveals that offshore wind projects in the Black Sea could attract up to €19 billion in investments by 2035, add 7 GW of new capacity to the national energy system, and create up to 77,000 new jobs. 

The study was funded by non-reimbursable funds provided by the European Commission (DG Reform). World-renowned experts have analyzed, for the first time, the Romanian exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, and the data is fascinating. 

For the first time, world-class experts analyzed Romania's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, and the data is fascinating: a total potential of 76 GW, including 22 GW on fixed platforms and 54 GW in floating wind farms; wind speeds ranging from 7.5 to 8 m/s; and the potential to develop projects between 3 GW and 7 GW by 2035. 

Two scenarios 

In a low growth scenario, the installation of 150 turbines through 5 projects is expected by 2035. The investment would reach 9 billion euros, with an installed capacity of 3 GW, which would cover 16% of the country's energy needs. Regarding the supply chain and economic impact, Romania would have 28% local content, and approximately 21,000 jobs would be created. 

In the case of an intensive growth scenario, the installation of 360 turbines through 7 projects is expected by 2035. The investment will be approximately 19 billion euros, with an installed capacity of 7 GW, which would cover 37% of the country's energy needs. Regarding the supply chain and economic impact, Romania would have 38% local content, and approximately 77,000 jobs would be created. 

"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,” Burduja said. 

The Ministry has also reaffirmed its commitment with this roadmap to developing the necessary infrastructure for integrating energy from offshore sources, collaborating with international partners and countries in the Black Sea region to create a robust and competitive supply chain. 

Additionally, efforts will be intensified to utilize Romanian ports in the production and construction of the necessary equipment for offshore wind power plants, thereby consolidating Romania's position as a regional center in the field of renewable energy. 

The document highlights the need to attract private investments and access European funds for the development of offshore wind farms. Romania has the opportunity to become a regional leader in offshore wind energy by mobilizing available resources and actively participating in the European energy transition.