At the end of July 2021, wpd offshore has become the first company in Romania to officially apply for the development of offshore wind energy projects in the Black Sea. The Black Sea 1 (500 MW) and Black Sea 2 (approx. 1.4 GW) projects, for which separate project companies have already been established, are to be developed and built off the Black Sea coast.

As a pacesetter for Romanian offshore wind energy, wpd offshore is in close exchange with governmental authorities to support the drafting of the offshore wind law. Based on its vast experience and know-how in developing wind energy projects worldwide, wpd offshore is well prepared to advance all necessary steps and processes in order to make Romania the first country to install offshore wind farms in the Black Sea. In the future, this might also offer the chance to export surplus energy to neighboring countries.

In addition, the global conversion of energy systems to renewable energies opens up opportunities for highly skilled job creation, as well as development of new technology clusters and supply chains, especially locally and regionally. The development of wind energy projects in Romania will also bring such location effects, as the promotion of regional synergies for the development of offshore wind energy on the Black Sea coast. In particular, there will be benefits for those industries that will become relevant in the development, construction and operational phases of the projects.

"wpd has its sights firmly set on the Romanian market for renewable energies and can build on a promising pipeline in the offshore wind sector," says Dr Gabriela Dan Unterseh, Head of Project Development Wind Offshore at wpd offshore in Romania. "We are convinced that by developing our offshore projects we are making an important contribution to set Romania's pioneering role in the expansion of renewables in the region," adds Achim Berge Olsen, Member of the Management Board at wpd responsible for the offshore wind sector. 

wpd has been active in Romania since 2009 and, in addition to the two offshore projects, has further projects for wind onshore with a total capacity of 1,300 MW under development. The company has now taken the next step by establishing its presence in the Romanian market for offshore wind.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: wpd