Romania has released a new roadmap outlining its plans to develop up to 7 GW of offshore wind capacity in the Black Sea, with support from the European Commission and World Bank Group. The initiative, part of the project “Internal energy market and energy transition in Romania,” aims to help the country meet its long-term renewable energy goals.
The roadmap, developed with funding from the EU's Technical Support Instrument, provides strategic analysis and a vision for building Romania's offshore wind sector. It highlights the potential for up to 7 GW of offshore wind within Romania's Exclusive Economic Zone, relying on the country's favorable wind resources, skilled workforce, and proven supply chain.
The plan presents two scenarios: a low-growth scenario with 3 GW of capacity supplying 16% of Romania's electricity needs by 2035, generating €1.4 billion in gross value, and a high-growth scenario aiming for 7 GW of capacity, which would cover 37% of the country's electricity demand and add €5.3 billion to the economy.
“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 Romania's Energy Minister Sebastian-Ioan Burduja. He emphasized that the roadmap and the recently passed Law 121/2024 on offshore wind energy provide “a solid legal foundation” for the industry, while ensuring “utmost care for environmental protection.”
Nathalie Berger, Director for Support to Member State Reforms at the European Commission, added: “We are convinced this initiative will provide certainty to investors and boost clean and affordable energy for citizens and companies throughout Romania.”
Sean Whittaker, co-lead of the World Bank Offshore Wind Development Program, called the Black Sea “a promising new frontier” for European offshore wind, with its shallow waters offering technical and economic advantages for installing wind turbines.
The roadmap also stresses the importance of international cooperation, grid integration, and the development of key supply chain components, which are crucial for achieving the envisioned growth scenarios.
