Romania has opened public consultation on a Black Sea offshore wind plan that identifies six development zones with a combined estimated capacity of 11.5 GW. The mapped areas cover about 4,000 square kilometres of maritime territory. The zones are organised into three development stages, with the first stage containing three fixed-bottom areas.
First-stage fixed-bottom zones and resource assumptions
The first stage includes three fixed-bottom zones with total potential of 3.1 GW. This is broadly aligned with Romania’s objective of installing around 3 GW of offshore wind by 2035. Development Zone 1 covers 631 square kilometres and could accommodate 1.9 GW.
Zones 2 and 3 cover 149 and 168 square kilometres, respectively, with an estimated 600 MW available in each. Water depths in the first-stage areas range from 55 to 75 metres. Average wind speeds are estimated at 7.7–7.9 metres per second at 150 metres.
Indicative capex range for the initial 3.1 GW phase
The plan cites indicative European offshore wind construction costs of approximately €3–4 million per MW. Based on that cost range, the initial 3.1 GW phase could require around €9–12 billion. The figure is presented before major onshore grid reinforcement and financing costs.
The final economics are stated to depend on turbine scale, foundation type, port infrastructure, local-content obligations and the support mechanism used for concession auctions. The consultation material also notes that these factors will affect project-level outcomes for the mapped capacity.
Deferred zones, timing after 2035, and environmental screening
Two additional zones offering a combined 2.4 GW have been deferred because they overlap with military areas and the safety perimeter of an active firing range. Their development would require relocation or redesign of defence activities before concessions could proceed. The largest zone is planned for after 2035.
This post-2035 area covers 2,195 square kilometres, reaches water depths of 135 metres, and has an estimated capacity of 6 GW. It could combine conventional fixed-bottom structures, deep-water foundations and floating wind technology.
The proposed zones also overlap with the Istria, Midia, Luceafărul and Neptun hydrocarbon blocks, creating potential conflicts related to safety corridors, subsea infrastructure and marine logistics. Environmental screening identified risks involving migratory birds, marine mammals, fisheries, protected habitats, cultural heritage and navigation.
Concessions and permitting requirements for projects within the plan
The consultation material states that inclusion in the plan does not create a development right. Each project will still require a concession, an environmental assessment, a grid solution and a complete permitting package. Romania has defined the scale of its offshore opportunity through the mapped capacity.
Concession design and transmission planning will determine whether the mapped 11.5 GW becomes an investable market.
