The Ministry of Energy has launched a public call for expressions of interest for the realisation of an essential study for the development of offshore wind energy in Romania. This is a critical stage in the implementation of Law no. 121/2024 on offshore wind energy, a legislative framework dedicated to harnessing the energy potential of the Black Sea and integrating it into the national production mix.
The study will aim to identify and demarcate maritime perimeters that can be concessioned for future offshore wind projects. According to the energy ministry, the analysis will be a complex, multidisciplinary one, including an assessment of wind potential, geotechnical and environmental conditions, grid connection possibilities and compatibility with other uses of the maritime space – from shipping and fishing to economic activities and special regime zones such as military zones.
The development of this study benefits from the support of international partners with solid expertise: the World Bank, but also the European Commission, through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) of the REFORM Secretariat General. It is a clear signal that Romania is seeking to adopt best practices in energy planning and development, in a geopolitical context where energy security and energy independence have become major priorities at continental level.
“The Black Sea is a strategic energy resource for our country, which we have so far under-utilised,” says Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja. “With gas production from the Neptun Deep field and electricity production from offshore wind fields, with a total theoretical potential of 76GW according to the World Bank study, the Romanian energy system becomes more secure and contributes to increasing the competitiveness and resilience of the national economy,” he added.
The explicit target is to develop an installed capacity of at least 3 GW by 2035, in line with Romania’s European commitments. The study to be developed will underpin the concession process and provide investors with a clear, scientifically grounded vision with one-stop-shop approaches to accelerate the development of strategic projects.
The Ministry of Energy invites companies, international consortia, research institutes and all interested stakeholders to express their interest until 10 June 2025. Expressions of interest can be sent by email to [email protected] or by phone to +40 374.496.834. More information is available on the ministry’s website.
With this call, Romania is entering a concrete stage in the preparation of a modern maritime energy industry in line with European and international trends. Offshore wind energy is no longer a theoretical scenario, but a strategic direction for sustainable development, energy security and economic competitiveness. Through openness to investors and rigorous planning of maritime perimeters, the Ministry of Energy aims to transform the natural potential of the Black Sea into a real driving force for the energy transition in Romania.
PHOTO Offshore platform windmills of Rampion windfarm off the coast of Brighton, Sussex, UK