Wind Power Growth in the EU: A Response to Geopolitical Pressures
The landscape of wind power in the European Union has transformed significantly, particularly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This geopolitical crisis has accelerated the push for renewable energy, prompting EU nations to ramp up their wind energy infrastructure. The North Sea has emerged as a hotspot for wind farms, showcasing the collective ambition of neighboring countries to enhance energy cooperation and reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels. However, the situation is quite different in the Black Sea region. Here, despite the World Bank’s assessment of Romania’s substantial wind potential, analysts express skepticism about the near-term development of offshore wind turbines, owing to regulatory and practical bottlenecks.
Shifting Energy Sources: Wind and Solar Surpass Fossil Fuels
In a landmark achievement for sustainable energy, electricity generation from wind and solar power in the EU has overtaken that from fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal. According to the latest European Electricity Review released on January 22, wind and solar energy collectively accounted for 30% of the region’s electricity production compared to 29% from fossil energy sources. This notable shift indicates a growing commitment to low-carbon energy and reflects the EU’s broader sustainability goals.
As countries invest in renewable resources, it is clear that wind power is becoming a cornerstone of energy policy across the continent.
The North Sea: An Unprecedented Wind Power Hub
On January 26, 2023, leaders from nine North Sea countries—Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom—convened in Hamburg to announce a daring plan for an unprecedented fleet of offshore wind farms. In response to mounting security concerns and energy supply threats, these nations reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating offshore wind energy development, aiming to significantly reduce dependence on Russian energy.
This ambitious initiative coincides with the EU’s decision to phase out imports of Russian gas and LNG, marking a decisive shift in energy policy. The North Sea, characterized by shallow waters and consistent wind, is considered an ideal location for large-scale offshore wind projects. The long-term goal aims for Europe to have a staggering 300 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind farm capacity by 2050, positioning the region as a global leader in renewable energy.
Collaboration and Investment: The Hamburg Declaration
The Hamburg Declaration represents a significant milestone in regional energy cooperation. For the first time, participating countries will jointly plan wind farms, with expected electricity generation capable of powering nearly 100 million homes. To cement this collaboration, an “investment pact” has been established among governments, industries, and transmission system operators (TSOs). The pact envisions new capacity between 2031 and 2040, targeting an installation rate of 15 gigawatts per year.
Valued at EUR 9.5 billion, this pact positions the North Sea as the world’s premier source of clean energy, aiming to mobilize EUR 1 trillion in investments and create over 90,000 jobs while reducing electricity production costs by 30% over the next 15 years.
Strategic Industrial Considerations
The industrial implications of offshore wind energy cannot be overstated. As Europe strives for energy security, the proximity of wind farms to major industrial centers in Northern Europe enhances supply chain efficiency and reduces vulnerabilities. The “Made in Europe” concept has gained traction, emphasizing the need to develop a robust domestic manufacturing base to support the wind energy sector. This strategic focus is compounded by security concerns regarding potential sabotage and espionage, especially given the geopolitical climate surrounding Russia.
At the Hamburg summit, NATO’s presence underscored the importance of monitoring the regional situation as countries work to fortify their energy infrastructures.
The Romanian Dilemma: Offshore Wind Potential versus Reality
In stark contrast to the North Sea’s proactive stance, Romania’s potential for wind power in the Black Sea remains largely untapped. The World Bank estimates a wind power potential ranging from 76 to 94 GW in this region; however, the implementation of offshore wind projects faces significant hurdles.
In 2024, Romania enacted legislation regulating offshore wind energy, and by April 2025, it sought companies and experts to conduct a strategic study on potential concession areas. Unfortunately, interest from investors has been tepid, raising concerns about the pace of development.
A World Bank report from September 2024 suggests that investments of up to EUR 19 billion could materialize in the Romanian Black Sea by 2035. The Romanian government is required to identify offshore wind farm blocks for concessions, yet missed deadlines point to an administrative logjam. Key measures outlined in Law 121, aimed at establishing regulatory and infrastructural frameworks, have not been fully enacted, leading to a slowdown in progress.
As pointed out by Cristina Pruna, a USR MP, the implementation of crucial studies and timelines has lagged significantly. Despite the law’s passage, discussions around offshore wind energy have not gained traction among political leaders or opposition, further complicating the situation.
Regulatory Delay: Impacts on the Development Timeline
The specifics of Law 121 require governments to approve regulations for offshore wind block concessions and establish stable support mechanisms, yet these processes remain in limbo. As of May 2025, it was only then that the Ministry of Energy commenced actions to delineate potential offshore areas, an essential step for facilitating investment. The delays in meeting key deadlines undermine confidence among stakeholders and send mixed signals to potential investors.
Romania’s energy transition risks being overshadowed by its European counterparts, particularly as nations that capitalize on their offshore wind resources propel forward. As offshore natural gas exploration continues to dominate headlines, the untapped offshore wind potential remains critically overlooked.
Future Scenarios: What Lies Ahead for Romanian Offshore Wind?
According to a World Bank report, two scenarios outline Romania’s future in offshore wind energy. The low-growth scenario anticipates 150 turbines installed through five projects by 2035, contributing approximately EUR 9 billion in investments and satisfying 16% of the country’s energy needs. In contrast, the intensive growth scenario envisions 360 turbines across seven projects, requiring EUR 19 billion and covering 37% of national energy demands.
Strategic Opportunities at Risk
Romania’s potential for offshore wind energy, estimated between 60 and 94 GW, presents a lucrative opportunity for advancing its energy mix and achieving decarbonization goals. However, the stagnation in practical development due to administrative delays threatens to transform this promise into a missed opportunity. While neighboring countries move forward with substantial investments in renewable technologies, Romania risks falling behind in harnessing its own vast resources, missing out on strategic, economic, and industrial benefits that come with such advancements.
As the landscape of wind energy evolves across Europe, Romania must urgently address its internal challenges and bolster its commitment to offshore wind to avoid being left behind in a rapidly changing energy market.