Romania's Offshore Wind Industry: Progress Amidst Challenges in the Black Sea

During the Offshore Wind panel at Energy Week Black Sea 2025, experts shed light on Romania’s journey in offshore wind energy, highlighting both its vast potential and the barriers it faces. With an estimated technical potential of 435 GW in the Black Sea, 76 GW of which lies within Romanian waters, the region presents a significant opportunity for renewable energy development. However, stakeholders emphasised the urgency for government action to realise this vision.

Breanne Gellatly, Partner, Renewables at ERM, outlined the global offshore wind landscape, noting Romania’s strategic advantages, including shallow waters conducive to fixed foundation turbines and proximity to major ports. “Offshore wind is critical for the energy transition, offering large-scale renewable energy generation and regional economic benefits,” she stated, while urging swift action to address supply chain and regulatory bottlenecks.

The regulatory framework, adopted last year, has established a foundation but requires detailed follow-up legislation to unlock development. Alina Arsani from the Energy Policy Group stressed, “Romania’s 3 GW offshore target by 2050 is conservative compared to its potential. Decarbonising the economy will demand at least 15 GW of capacity.” She also highlighted the importance of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable to connect the eastern generation hub with national and regional grids.

Dr. Mark Leybourne, an advisor at the World Bank, drew attention to Romania’s offshore wind roadmap and the need for robust frameworks to attract investment. He remarked, “Governments must prioritise regulatory clarity and investor confidence. While Romania has taken initial steps, much work remains to ensure the sector’s viability.”

Alex Gospodinov, CEO of hooracán, offered a developer’s perspective, pointing to delays in site allocation and permitting. He called for greater private sector involvement to overcome institutional capacity challenges, warning that further delays could see Romania lagging behind neighbouring markets such as Türkiye and Ukraine.

Despite the hurdles, optimism prevailed. Stakeholders, including Marta Sturzeanu from the Romanian Wind Energy Association, highlighted collaborative efforts to align policy and infrastructure development. The panel concluded with a shared belief in offshore wind’s transformative potential for the Black Sea, not only as a clean energy source but as a driver for economic resilience and regional cooperation.

As the session ended, one sentiment resonated: the Black Sea region, with Romania at its core, stands on the brink of becoming Europe’s next energy hotspot. But for this potential to be realised, decisive action and sustained commitment are indispensable.