/BUCHAREST, ROMANIA, August 26, 2026, 10:00 CEST, RENEWABLE MARKET WATCH™/ Following a sustained period of strategic planning and interdepartmental collaboration, the Romanian government has formally approved the definitive list of offshore wind farm sites eligible for concession in the nation’s Black Sea territory.
This milestone decision paves the way for the initiation of transparent and competitive bidding processes, through which concessions will be granted to qualified investors for the development and operation of offshore wind energy projects. According to an official government statement, this step marks a significant advancement toward unlocking the country’s renewable energy potential and reinforcing Romania’s position as a regional leader in offshore wind development.
The approved list encompasses zones with a projected combined installed capacity of roughly 3.1 GW. This aligns closely with the strategic objectives outlined in Romania’s Energy Strategy 2025–2035, specifically the aim to achieve approximately 3 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035. Furthermore, these efforts are consistent with Romania’s obligations under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable energy development and compliance with EU directives.
The identification and selection of these sites were informed by a comprehensive study conducted with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This study, executed by a consortium of expert consultants, undertook a thorough analysis of technical, environmental, and social parameters, in addition to evaluating the compatibility of offshore wind development with existing maritime activities. The process also integrated feedback from pertinent regulatory bodies and institutional stakeholders, ensuring a robust and multidisciplinary approach to site selection.
The expansion of the offshore wind sector is expected to generate substantial economic benefits at the national level, including the attraction of significant foreign and domestic investment, the stimulation of local supply chains, and the creation of new employment opportunities. Conservative estimates place the sector’s potential added value between €16 billion and €27 billion. Concurrently, the legislative framework supports Romania’s compliance with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) while advancing both national and European Union targets related to the energy transition and decarbonisation.
Accordingly, the implementation of a dedicated regulatory framework for offshore renewable energy installations forms a central element of Component 6 – Energy, under Milestone 116 of the NRRP. This initiative is part of Reform 1 – Electricity Market Reform, which aims to facilitate the gradual replacement of coal within Romania’s energy portfolio and to foster a legislative and regulatory environment that incentivizes private sector participation in renewable energy generation.
In this context, the enactment of Law No. 121/2024 on offshore wind energy provides a transparent and predictable legislative foundation for the development of renewable electricity generation projects in the Black Sea. The Ministry of Energy has been designated as the competent authority responsible for managing the concession of offshore areas. All development and operational costs associated with offshore wind projects will be the responsibility of the concession-holding economic operators, financed either through their own capital or through external funding sources.
For more information and answers to your questions about offshore wind power in Romania, and related content, you may read here: Romania Wind Power Market Outlook 2025 – 2034
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