The impact and potential of harnessing Romania's offshore wind energy, as well as the economic and social opportunities this industry can bring to the country are highlighted in the World Bank's Offshore Wind Roadmap for Romania released on September 27, representatives of the Energy Ministry said in a release, stating that the World Bank's report on Romanian's Black Sea wind energy potential looks at projects of up to 19 billion euros that could be implemented until 2035, 7 GW of new wind capacity, and up to 77,000 full time equivalent years of employment that could be created by the OSW industry by 2035.

"The Black Sea wind energy is a unique opportunity for the development of Romania, which we cannot afford to miss. We are at the forefront and we must remain as such!," Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said in the release, pointing out that "the data is fascinating: a total potential of 76 GW (22 GW using foundations fixed to the sea bed and 54 GW using floating foundations); 7.5 - 8 m/s wind speed; the possibility of developing projects between 3 and 7 GW until 2035."

"Next year, with the continuous support from the World Bank, the European Commission and the US Department of State, we will complete the survey on the optimal locations for future wind power plants. This year we succeeded in adopting the offshore wind energy law, making Romania the first country in the Black Sea basin with a clear and attractive legal framework for investors. We are a few steps ahead of all the other states in the region and we have to keep up the pace. If we maintain our leading position, we have the opportunity to become a hub for the entire region and fulfill our role as a leader in ensuring energy security and independence. I thank the European Commission and the DG Reform for the constant support offered in the realization of this project of national importance. We are confident that this collaboration will continue in the next stage," Burduja added.

The WB's roadmap highlights two scenarios for Romania meeting its future electricity needs: one with a slow-paced growth that assumes that 150 large OSW turbines will be installed through 5 projects until 2035. The value of the investment would amount to 9 billion euros, the installed capacity would be 3 GW, ensuring 16% of the country's electricity needs. "As far as the supply chain and the economic impact are concerned, Romania will have about 28% local content in its OSW farms and approximately 21,000 jobs will be created," the release states.

The second, high-growth scenario assumes that 360 turbines will be installed through 7 projects until 2035 with investments worth approximately 19 billion euros; the installed capacity would be 7 GW, covering 37% of Romania's energy needs. "It is estimated that supply chain activities would create 5.3 billion euro gross value added to the local economy, Romania will have 38% local content, and approximately 77,000 jobs will be created," the document also states.

"Through this roadmap, the Energy Ministry reaffirms its commitment to developing the necessary infrastructure for the integration of offshore energy sources, cooperating with international partners and the states of the Black Sea region to create a robust and competitive supply chain. Efforts will also be stepped up for the use of Romanian ports in the production and construction of the equipment needed for offshore wind power plants, thus strengthening Romania's position as a regional renewable energy hub," the cited source emphasizes. AGERPRES (RO - author: Nicoleta Banciulea, editor: Andreea Marinescu; EN - editor: Simona Klodnischi)