World Bank: Offshore wind projects in Romania will create tens of thousands of jobs – 30/09/2024

The implementation of offshore wind projects in our country will have a positive impact on the labor market, they will employ from 21,000 to 77,000 workers depending on the application of the scenarios included in the “Offshore Wind Roadmap for Romania” study conducted by the World Bank and presented on Friday by Sebastian Burduja , Minister of Energy. The launch of the study “Offshore Wind Action Plan for Romania” is an important step towards the development of a new renewable energy pillar in Romania, with the potential to transform the country into a regional leader in this sector. With investments worth up to EUR 19 billion, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening energy security, offshore wind energy can become a driver of Romania’s economic growth, contributing to the European energy transition and the fight against climate change.

Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja emphasized the strategic importance of offshore wind energy for our country, stating that it is “a unique opportunity for the development of Romania that we cannot miss.”

According to a study prepared by the World Bank, the Black Sea has a total wind energy potential of 76 gigawatts (GW), divided into 22 GW on stationary platforms and 54 GW on floating platforms. In addition, natural conditions are favorable: wind speeds in the target area range from 7.5 to 8 m/s, making it ideal for implementing large wind projects. Data presented by the Minister of Energy show that by 2035, projects worth EUR 19 billion will be implemented in the Black Sea, which will mean a capacity of 7 GW for the national energy system and a maximum of 77,000 new jobs.

The study was carried out over the last two years by World Bank experts, with the support of the European Commission, through the Directorate General for Structural Reform (DG Reform), which offered non-repayable funds to finance it. In addition, Romania benefits from the support of the World Bank and the US Department of State in continuing this project. According to Minister Burduja, next year will be crucial for completing research on the optimal locations of future offshore wind farms. This stage will allow the identification of the best technical and economic solutions enabling effective use of the wind potential in the Black Sea.

• Two scenarios proposed by the World Bank for offshore wind energy in the Black Sea

The study proposes two development scenarios until 2035, each of which will have a significant impact on the Romanian economy and the national energy system:

1. The low growth scenario assumes the installation of 150 wind turbines in five projects with a total installed capacity of 3 GW, which will cover approximately 16% of the country’s energy demand. The total value of investments in this scenario is estimated at EUR 9 billion and their economic impact will be significant: the creation of approximately 21,000 jobs, of which 28% will be local.

2. In the intensive growth scenario, a more ambitious approach is proposed, assuming the installation of 360 turbines in seven projects, resulting in an installed capacity of 7 GW, sufficient to cover 37% of energy demand. Investments would amount to approximately EUR 19 billion and the impact on the labor market would be significant due to the creation of 77,000 jobs, 38% of which would be local.

These two scenarios aim to increase Romania’s energy security and make a significant contribution to the European energy transformation and strengthen our country’s position as a regional center for renewable energy.

Minister Sebastian Burduja said: “Through this action plan, the Ministry of Energy reaffirms its commitment to develop the infrastructure necessary to integrate energy from marine sources, working with international partners and the countries of the Black Sea region to create a reliable and competitive supply. Efforts will also be intensified to use Romanian ports in the production and construction of equipment needed for offshore wind farms. This will strengthen Romania’s position as a regional center in the field of renewable energy.

According to the Minister of Energy, the implementation of projects in the offshore wind farm sector has a significant, multiplying impact on the local economy. The responsible minister concluded by stating that, with the adoption of the Offshore Wind Energy Law, Romania has become the first country in the Black Sea region to have a clear legal framework for investors, which is a competitive advantage that should be exploited to attract large investments and -strengthen its role as a regional leader energy.