Romania’s parliament has passed a law to tap offshore wind energy in the Black Sea in a step to contribute to renewable energy efforts and support energy independence, and in line with the country's commitments in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Offshore wind farm. Image source: BayWa r.e. (handout)
The legislation was this week approved by the Chamber of Deputies after it was adopted by the Senate in March. The Offshore Wind Energy Law, initiated by the Ministry of Energy, was sent by the government to the parliament in December 2023.
"At the pace imposed by the bill, in 2032 we will be able to have the first MW of offshore wind energy in the national energy system,” energy minister Sebastian Burduja said and added that the production of offshore wind would also allow the country to strengthen its industry through the domestic production of green hydrogen and value-added products based on green ammonia.
The minister noted that based on World Bank data, Romania has 76 GW of offshore wind potential.
The ministry outlined its next steps, saying that within three months of the law's entry into force, it will start a study to prepare the concession procedure and wind farm development activities. The study will determine the areas for lease, taking into account wind potential, possibilities for grid connection, as well as restrictions such as those related to biodiversity.
The government plans to approve the offshore wind areas by March 31, 2025, and the subsequent implementation acts of the law by June 30, 2025. The Ministry of Energy will then launch a competitive procedure for awarding concession contracts.
The government also intends to determine the concessionaires' royalty fee to the Romanian state, based on the study, by June 30, 2025.
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