A recent World Bank study reveals that Romania could harness between 3 GW and 7 GW of offshore wind energy by 2035. Currently, the country boasts 3 GW of installed onshore wind capacity and possesses robust offshore wind resources capable of generating more energy than it will require.
The report identifies the potential for up to 7 GW of offshore wind capacity, primarily situated at least 50 kilometers from shore in relatively shallow waters. This capacity could be developed starting in the early 2030s, leveraging Romania’s well-equipped port facilities and local supply chains.
As of the end of 2022, the EU’s operational offshore wind capacity stood at about 31 GW. The European Commission’s 2020 strategy aims for at least 60 GW by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050, with the Black Sea identified as a key area for offshore wind development.
The World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) notes that Romania has a medium-speed wind resource with a technical potential of 76 GW—22 GW with fixed seabed foundations and 54 GW with floating foundations.
The study outlines two scenarios for offshore wind development:
- Low growth scenario: This assumes a modest approach in line with current renewable energy commitments, projecting 3 GW of offshore wind to meet 16% of Romania’s electricity needs by 2036.
- High growth scenario: Under this scenario, 7 GW of offshore wind could supply 37% of the country’s electricity needs by 2036, with an average installation rate of 1.5 GW per year by 2035.
The high growth scenario indicates that achieving this capacity would lead to significant benefits, including 2.3 times the installed capacity by 2035 compared to the low growth scenario, resulting in greater cost reductions, 3.7 times the creation of local jobs, and 3.7 times the local gross value added by 2035.
