Romania’s state-owned generator Hidroelectrica has announced plans to invest in offshore and onshore wind and in solar power
A May 2020 strategic investment document outlines plans to conduct feasibility studies into the potential development of offshore wind in Romanian waters in the Black Sea, and to develop initial projects with a capacity of 300-500 MW, depending on the outcome of the studies.
Studies to be carried out by Hidroelectrica are to be undertaken to identify optimal locations for offshore windfarms, determine the nature of the wind resource and capacity factors.
A new study by the World Bank/International Finance Corporation put Romania’s technical potential for bottom-fixed offshore wind at circa 22 GW. It estimated the country’s technical potential for floating wind at 76 GW. If an initial Romanian project goes ahead, it could be realised by 2026.
“The offshore wind project will start based on the results of a study of the potential for wind energy production through the development of windfarms installed in the Romanian sector of the Black Sea, given that so far this opportunity has not been analysed at national level,” the strategy document said.
The document said Romania could also seek financing for the project or projects from the European Union. Law firm Dentons is understood to have been engaged to assist the company.
Local reports say Romania’s acting economy and energy minister Virgil Popescu told a recent conference, “I have seen what exists in the North Sea and I do not see why the potential of the Black Sea could not be used for the production of electricity in Romania.”
It was suggested that if Hidroelectrica were to develop offshore wind it would probably do so in collaboration with established developers, as is the case in other countries in Europe such as Poland.
The World Bank/International Finance Corporation report highlighted the potential of offshore wind in the Black Sea which, it said, had a technical potential of circa 500 GW.
Riviera will host a week of free to attend 45-minute webinars focused on offshore wind commencing 8 June. Register your interest now
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.