Romania Offshore Wind Revolution: Unlocking 7GW Potential in the Black Sea
Romania has recently unveiled an ambitious roadmap to harness up to 7GW of offshore wind capacity, signalling its commitment to becoming a significant player in the European offshore wind market and to lead the development of offshore wind in the Black Sea region.
Supported by the European Commission and the World Bank, Romania’s Offshore Wind Roadmap study lays out the steps to help reshape Romania’s energy landscape, while contributing to the EU’s Green Deal objectives.
As the renewable energy industry looks to the Black Sea as a new frontier, OWC – The Renewable Energy Consultants have assembled this strategic blueprint inviting attention from consultants, developers, and senior decision-makers.
Key Highlights from Romania Offshore Wind Roadmap
Romania’s roadmap to develop up to 7GW of offshore wind capacity in a high-case scenario by 2035 is underpinned by the country’s commercially viable wind resources, relatively shallow water depths, well-equipped ports, and a skilled local workforce, including the existence of various steel fabrication yards.
The Romanian government, backed by the European Commission and the World Bank, has set two offshore wind growth scenarios:
- Low growth scenario: 3GW by 2035, supplying 16% of Romania’s electricity needs and generating €1.4bn in economic value.
- High growth scenario: 7GW by 2035, supplying 37% of the country’s electricity needs and generating €5.3bn in gross value added.
These scenarios reflect the strategic opportunities Romania has in enhancing its energy security in the Black Sea region, whilst also transitioning to a greener economy.
The role of OWC from some of our strategic experts
OWC has already played a pivotal role in Romania’s offshore wind journey. Earlier this year, OWC completed a zonal appraisal and technical-economic feasibility study for local player Black Sea Oil and Gas (BSOG), where OWC assessed what could become the first designated offshore wind areas in the Black Sea. The government has announced plans to finalise the designation of offshore wind areas in the Romanian Black Sea in 2025, and host the country’s first offshore wind seabed leasing competition.
Vasilis Giotas, OWC’s Country Manager for Greece, emphasises the growing interest from regional stakeholders:
“We’ve engaged with key players in Romania and Bulgaria who are eager to explore offshore wind in the Black Sea. These conversations signal real momentum in the region.”
Vasilis Giotas, OWC Country Manager – Greece
Craig Brown, Head of Market Studies at OWC, elaborates on the broader regional impacts:
“The 3GW of offshore wind that can be grid connected by the mid 2030’s for Romania has the potential to bolster Eastern European energy security, especially in light of current volatility in the power markets. Offshore wind can be a stabilising force to the region’s energy markets and energy security.”
Craig Brown, Head of Market Studies, OWC
Leveraging OWC’s Experience in the Black Sea
OWC’s involvement in the Black Sea is not just limited to wind. The renewable energy consultancy, along with its sister company ABL, has been active in supporting Romania’s floating solar PV initiatives on hydropower reservoirs.
OWC’s work spans the entire development cycle, leveraging local expertise through its office in Constanta to bring global knowledge to regional projects.
OWC’s ongoing collaboration with BSOG, exploring the technical and commercial feasibility of offshore wind in Romania, underscores its leading position in the Black Sea’s emerging renewable market.
Alan Smith, Delivery Director at OWC, noted:
“We hope this is just the beginning of Romania’s promising future in offshore wind development.”
The Black Sea: A Key Region for Renewable Energy Growth
The Black Sea is rapidly gaining attention as a major offshore wind hub. Its shallow waters and proximity to large energy markets make it an ideal location for offshore wind farms.
Romania’s 7GW target aligns well with broader EU energy goals, providing a model for other Black Sea nations, such as Bulgaria, to follow suit.
Romania’s government has also underlined international cooperation in its offshore wind plans, recognising that cross-border collaboration and technology sharing will be critical to the sector’s success.
As Minister of Energy Sebastian-Ioan Burduja stated:
“Collaboration with international stakeholders in the Black Sea region will be key in integrating offshore wind into regional grids.”
The Challenges and Opportunities for the Future
While Romania’s roadmap presents a clear path forward, there are several challenges ahead. These include the need for substantial upgrades to the transmission network, viable frameworks for licensing and permitting, and the creation of development zones for offshore wind farms.
However, these challenges are balanced by the significant opportunities for job creation, economic growth, and Romania’s contribution to a more sustainable energy future.
Craig Brown highlights one of the key opportunities:
“Offshore wind in Romania not only addresses energy security but also helps combat rising energy costs across Eastern Europe. With the right investment, this industry can transform the region’s energy landscape.”
Final Thoughts
Romania’s offshore wind roadmap is an exciting development that positions the country as a future leader in renewable energy. The collaboration between the Romanian government, the European Commission, and the World Bank is a testament to the growing momentum behind offshore wind in the Black Sea.
For consultants, developers, and senior leaders in the renewable energy space, Romania offers a compelling opportunity to be part of a transformative shift in the region’s energy landscape.
At OWC, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, bringing our expertise in offshore wind development to support Romania’s ambitious goals.
As Vasilis Giotas and Craig Brown have indicated, the groundwork has been laid for significant growth, and we are ready to continue supporting the next phase of development in Romania and beyond.
Find out more about OWC’s tailored market studies services for offshore wind development.
Whether it’s grid transmission to supply chain analysis, O&M strategies, OPEX analysis to technology and component evaluations for a given market or site, our dedicated and experienced market studies team are here to support you on your next offshore project.