Wind energy is playing an increasingly important role in Romania's energy mix. This renewable energy source has the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to achieving European climate neutrality targets and creating new jobs in the green energy production sector.
The current situation of wind energy in Romania
Romania has favorable geographical conditions for the development of wind power projects, especially in Dobrogea, one of the best regions in Europe for wind power generation. Over the last decade, our country has taken important steps towards exploiting this resource, and installed capacity has increased significantly.
According to data from Transelectrica and ANRE, at the end of 2024, the total installed capacity in wind farms exceeded 3,100 MW, representing approximately 17% of Romania's total electricity production capacity. The largest projects are located in the counties of Constanta and Tulcea.
The pace of development of this type of project is influenced by legislative bottlenecks, support schemes, and the ability to connect to the national grid.
In addition to Dobrogea, initiatives are also beginning to emerge in other regions such as Moldova and Banat Montan, thanks to improvements in technology and the possibility of operating at lower wind speeds.
By 2025, new installations of over 2,712 MW are expected to come online, followed by approximately 900 MW in 2026. These estimates take into account projects with connection contracts signed, building permits submitted to network operators, and establishment permits already issued by ANRE. Some older parks are being replaced with modern, more efficient turbines, which contributes to increased efficiency without territorial expansion (repowering projects).
By the end of this year, the first tender for offshore wind farm areas will be launched, with Romania becoming the first country bordering the Black Sea to have a regulatory framework for offshore wind energy production.
Major challenges in the development of the wind energy sector
Although the potential is high, the development of wind energy projects in Romania faces a number of obstacles:
- Inadequate network infrastructure: Energy transmission and distribution networks are not ready to handle additional energy from wind sources, especially in areas with high potential.
- Unstable legislative framework: frequent changes in legislation and the lack of clear and predictable policies discourage investors.
- Long time to obtain permits: The bureaucratic process for authorizing wind projects is complex and lengthy.
- Local resistance: In some communities, there is opposition to the installation of wind turbines due to concerns about their impact on the landscape and health.
- Limited administrative capacity: Local and central authorities sometimes have limited resources to process large volumes of permit and authorization applications.
- Lack of qualified personnel: rapid project development leads to a shortage of specialists in key areas such as engineering, impact assessment, and environmental monitoring.
Opportunities for the coming period
Despite challenges, wind energy remains one of the most promising renewable energy sources for Romania. In the coming years, several trends and factors may boost the revival of investment in this sector:
- European funds and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR): Part of these funds are earmarked for the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind power.
- More efficient technologies: New wind turbines are more powerful, quieter, and can operate at lower wind speeds, making them more cost-effective.
- Integration with other renewable sources: Combining wind energy with photovoltaics and storage systems can increase the stability of the energy system.
- Private sector involvement: Foreign investors and major energy companies are showing growing interest in developing wind farms in Romania.
- Environmental commitments: Romania has joined the European Union in setting clear decarbonization targets for 2050, which involves increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. More information on these sources can be found in the comprehensive guide on .
Environmental consulting for wind project development
For a wind energy project to be implemented successfully, it is necessary to comply with environmental standards and regulations in force. This is where the role of environmental services, who can provide support in:
- conducting environmental impact studies;
- obtaining the necessary approvals and agreements;
- biodiversity and noise monitoring;
- ensuring compliance with national and European legislation.
Social aspects need to be taken into account: social impact assessments and consultation with local communities are becoming increasingly important in the approval process.
By turning to specialists in the field, investors can avoid administrative bottlenecks and accelerate the development process of wind projects. Environmental experts can also ensure post-construction monitoring of the impact on wildlife and the implementation of ecological compensation measures, which ensures long-term sustainability.
Romania has considerable potential to be an important player in the regional and European wind energy market. Although there are real challenges, these can be overcome through political will, infrastructure modernization, and attracting private investment. Wind energy can be used to produce green hydrogen, especially in the context of the new European strategy for decarbonizing industry.
To make the most of this resource, we need to create a stable and predictable framework that encourages the development of sustainable and efficient projects. Wind energy is not only a solution to current energy challenges, but also a driver for sustainable economic development and for achieving medium- and long-term climate goals. Collaborations with EU countries and strategic investors can bring know-how, capital, and advanced technologies to renewable energy projects developed in Romania.
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