The Chamber of Deputies adopted on Tuesday the government’s initiative establishing the legal framework for the development of investments in offshore wind energy in the Black Sea.
There were 229 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions.
The Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, stated that Romania is on track towards wind energy production in the Black Sea, and with the pace set by the law adopted today, by the year 2032, we will be able to have the first MW of offshore wind energy produced in the National Energy System.
"Romania is on track towards wind energy production in the Black Sea. With the pace set by the law, by the year 2032, we will be able to have the first MW of offshore wind energy produced in the National Energy System. Moreover, offshore wind energy production will enable us to strengthen the Romanian industry through domestic production of green hydrogen and value-added products based on green ammonia.
World Bank data shows that Romania has an offshore wind potential of 76 GW of installed power, creating a favorable environment for the development of this type of renewable energy. Through this project, Romania is making progress in achieving transition and decarbonization objectives in the energy system, as well as consolidating its status as a regional leader in the energy sector.
The adoption of this law project is a concrete step towards promoting the vision that I announced from the first day of my mandate: secure, affordable, and green energy for all Romanian citizens," stated Burduja in a press release issued on Tuesday by the ministry.
To operationalize investments in offshore wind energy, the Ministry of Energy will initiate, within 3 months of the law coming into force, a specialized study on the basis of which the concession procedure and activities for exploration, construction of offshore wind power plants, and their operation will be prepared.
According to the source cited, based on the study, by March 31, 2025, the Government will approve the offshore wind perimeters, and by June 30, 2025, the subsequent acts for implementing the law, with the Ministry of Energy initiating a competitive procedure for awarding concession contracts.
Also, by the end of June 2025, the Government will adopt the value of the royalties that concessionaires will pay to the Romanian state, determined based on the results of the study conducted by the Ministry of Energy.