Offshore Wind: The Missing Link in Romania’s Renewable Energy Ambitions

As Romania advances its journey toward a greener energy future, wind power remains a cornerstone of its renewable energy strategy. With 2,700 MW of the country’s 3,100 MW installed wind capacity represented by the Romanian Wind Energy Association (RWEA), the sector’s potential is undeniable. However, as Liviu Gavrilă, Vice President of RWEA, shared in preparation for Energy Week Black Sea 2025, offshore wind energy remains a critical yet untapped resource. While the necessary groundwork is being laid, including primary legislation and growing interest among key stakeholders, offshore wind in the Black Sea holds the promise to fill the current gaps in Romania’s energy transition puzzle, potentially becoming a reality within the next decade. Read the full interview below.

Can you share an overview of RWEA’s mission and role in promoting wind energy in Romania?

RWEA (Romania Wind Energy Association) is a non-profit organization, launched in 2008,  representing majority of Romania wind industry active players (from developers, advisors and equipment producers to investors and integrated groups).

RWEA is actively involved in the national and international policy and the dialogue on regulations, communication, research and analysis regarding the extension of renewable energy sources, being the voice of energy transition and the wind energy industry in Romania. RWEA represent >2700 MW of Romania’s 3100 MW installed wind power. RWEA offers various services to support the requirements and needs of its members regarding their development, offering the best networking and learning opportunities in the sector, to create an adequate legal framework within which members can successfully develop their businesses. The organisation cooperates with national and international organisations, research initiatives and think-tanks to create synergies that constantly update and enhance the policy and regulatory framework required for the uptake of new renewable technologies and the successful development of the member’s businesses. RWEA produces a large variety of information tools and manages campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of wind energy and enhancing social acceptance, dispelling myths about wind energy and providing easy access to credible information. Moreover, events are a main part of the activities of the association. The conferences, field trips and workshops are meant to encourage the national and international exchange of policies, financial matters and technical developments.

What are the most significant challenges and opportunities for wind energy development in Romania today?

Currently, there is a strong pipeline of wind projects and most of the variables needed for Romania to reach its goals (as per PNIESC, Energy Strategy and rest of targets setting engagements) seems to be in place. But, there are several challenges linked to grid access, regulatory predictability and permitting procedures (ex. Aviation permits)  which must be addressed and solved in due time. RWEA is in permanent dialogue with authorities and it’s trying to accelerate the solutions but unfortunately, some contextual aspects (regional specific, collateral effects of some fiscal updates, market pre-liberalization actions etc) make the project materializing quite a challenging path. As most of rets of Europe countries, developing process needs strong knowledge and resilience.

How do you see offshore wind energy shaping the future of Romania’s renewable energy landscape?

Offshore wind energy is the missing part of the puzzle but there are now in place the fundamentals to have 1^st wind turbine in Black Sea in next 6-8 years. Beside primary law and a clear road-map, gradually most of the key institutions and market players are gathering to make it happing. It is not yet a top priority but most likely it is expected to become. RWEA is among stakeholders from the beginning and it will continue to be involved in all regulation and implementation steps to come.

What is RWEA’s stance on integrating wind energy with emerging technologies such as battery storage and hydrogen?

RWEA is strongly supporting such integration/hybridisation as given the market trends and need of flexibility is pointing toward such needs. RWEA is active member in all regulation reading storage and hydrogen and it will continue to be as the members have these among key priorities.

How would you assess Romania’s current regulatory framework for wind energy? What improvements or adjustments are necessary?

There are lots of good things happened and in place and many in progress or to come. Overall, I would say it’s neither the best or the worst regulatory framework but for sure t’s among most attractive. Improvements are needed and we are cooperating with authorities. Ther is the EU regulation helping solving some of misalignments and setting some expectations and this is always the safety belt for any investor need of predictability. 

Can you share any success stories or ongoing projects that highlight the impact of RWEA’s efforts?

Despite is hard to point just one I would mention the Code of Good practice, a manual for RES investors, which we did together with our partners from photovoltaic industry association. This year we are renewing it (given the regulatory updates from last year) and it will continue to be the “bible” for someone trying to have a complete overview of the RO market and which are the steps to become a successful story in RES area.