Romania’s 'vast' offshore wind potential set out in new roadmap

Romania could build 7GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035 that would meet over a third of its power needs, according to a new roadmap published in collaboration with the World Bank and European Union.

The Romania roadmap outlines a “realistic vision” to realise the “vast potential” of offshore wind in the country, said the World Bank in a Friday announcement.

It highlights the potential for up to 7GW of offshore wind to be installed within Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea by 2035.

“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,” said Romania’s energy minister Sebastian-Ioan Burduja.

The roadmap explores two offshore wind growth scenarios located at least 50km from shore and predominantly in shallow waters suitable for fixed-bottom foundations.

The “low growth” scenario assumes 3GW of offshore wind power is installed to supply 16% of Romania’s electricity needs 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 “high growth” scenario assumes 7GW of offshore wind is installed to supply 37% of Romania’s electricity needs by the end of 2035 – adding €5.3bn of gross value to the economy.

“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,” said Sean Whittaker, co-lead of the World Bank's offshore wind development programme.

“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.”