Romania's parliament has approved legislation to harness offshore wind energy in the Black Sea, a move aimed at advancing renewable energy efforts and supporting energy independence in the country, in line with its commitments in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The Offshore Wind Energy Law, initiated by the Ministry of Energy and sent to parliament in December 2023, was approved by the Chamber of Deputies this week after being adopted by the Senate in March.
Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja highlighted the significance of the law, stating, “At the pace imposed by the bill, in 2032 we will be able to have the first MW of offshore wind energy in the national energy system.” He added that offshore wind production would also enable Romania to bolster its industry through the domestic production of green hydrogen and value-added products based on green ammonia.
According to the minister, Romania has 76 GW of offshore wind potential, as per World Bank data.
The Ministry of Energy's next steps include initiating a study within three months of the law's entry into force to prepare the concession procedure and wind farm development activities. The study will identify areas for lease, considering wind potential, grid connection possibilities, and restrictions related to biodiversity.
The government aims to approve the offshore wind areas by March 31, 2025, and the subsequent implementation acts of the law by June 30, 2025. Following this, the Ministry of Energy will launch a competitive procedure to award concession contracts.
Furthermore, the government plans to determine the concessionaires' royalty fee to the Romanian state, based on the study, by June 30, 2025.
