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The Government of Romania, with support from the European Commission and the World Bank Group, has published a new roadmap aimed at unlocking the potential of offshore wind energy in the country.
This roadmap is part of the “Internal Energy Market and Energy Transition in Romania” project, which received technical assistance from the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM). Funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument, the project was implemented by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy.
The Offshore Wind Roadmap for Romania offers a strategic vision for developing a robust offshore wind industry. With Romania’s strong wind resources, established port facilities, proven steel-based supply chain, and skilled local workforce, offshore wind power can serve as a significant domestic source of clean energy. This emerging sector also holds the promise of long-term job creation and could contribute to economic growth, especially within the broader Black Sea renewable energy market.
The roadmap identifies the potential for up to 7 GW of offshore wind capacity within Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea. It considers two development scenarios for offshore wind farms located over 50 km from shore in shallow waters suitable for fixed-bottom foundations. “The study conducted by the World Bank highlights the potential of offshore wind energy in the Black Sea and the opportunities for Romania’s economic and energy development,” said Mr. Sebastian-Ioan Burduja, Minister of Energy for the Government of Romania. “This new roadmap can play a crucial role in strengthening Romania’s energy security and facilitating the transition to a green economy, in line with the objectives of the European Union. The adoption of Law 121/2024 on offshore wind energy, supported by the roadmap, creates a solid legal foundation for the development of this sector, while taking utmost care for environmental protection measures in the production areas. Furthermore, developing appropriate financing mechanisms will support the creation and expansion of offshore wind farms, as well as the necessary infrastructure. The success of offshore wind projects depends on international cooperation and therefore I am grateful for the close collaboration with the World Bank and European Union to help achieve our renewable energy goals. Collaboration with international stakeholders and other countries in the Black Sea region will enable technology transfer and the development of joint projects, supporting the integration of offshore wind into regional grids in the following years.”
Nathalie Berger, the European Union’s Director for Support to Member State Reforms, said: “The European Commission has provided technical support to Romania for the development and implementation of a set of market driven reform proposals that will aim at strengthening the national energy market and support the country’s energy transition. Particularly, we worked on an implementation roadmap for the development of offshore wind in Romania and we are convinced this initiative will provide certainty to investors and boost clean and affordable energy for citizens and companies throughout Romania. This initiative also contributes to Romania’s efforts in meeting the European Green Deal targets.”
Sean Whittaker, Co-lead of World Bank Offshore Wind Development Program, said: “The purpose of this roadmap is to provide a good understanding about offshore wind in Romania and help inform decision-making for the development of a successful industry. The analysis makes it clear that the Black Sea is a promising new frontier in European offshore wind and presents significant untapped potential to meet Romania’s long-term renewable energy goals. The relatively shallow coastal waters make it technically and economically easier to install wind turbines. The strategic location allows access to large parts of the European energy market, helping integrate offshore wind into regional grids in the future.”
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Source link : https://windinsider.com/2024/10/03/romania-unveils-offshore-wind-roadmap-to-tap-into-7-gw-of-clean-energy-potential/
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Publish date : 2024-10-03 13:03:53
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