Romania Moves Forward with Offshore Wind: Call for Expressions of Interest To Define Future Concession Zones

The study will form the technical and strategic basis for future offshore wind farm development. Interested parties must submit their Expression of Interest (template provided in Annex 1 of the announcement) by 10 June 2025, 24:00 local time, to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This is a non-binding, exploratory procedure. Participation or non-participation will not impact eligibility for the future formal tender process, where the actual contract for the study will be awarded.

The selected contractor is expected to conduct the following:

1. Wind Potential Analysis: Assessment of wind conditions (speed, direction, seasonal variability) using meteorological and climate data to locate high-yield areas; site-specific measurements may be considered.
2. Geotechnical and Seabed Studies: Desktop analysis of geological, geomorphological, and bathymetric conditions on the Romanian continental shelf to evaluate turbine installation feasibility.
3. Biodiversity and Marine Environment Assessment: Identification of marine habitats and species (including Natura 2000 sites); preliminary impact analysis and stakeholder consultation (academics, NGOs, marine users).
4. Connectivity to the National Energy System (SEN): Evaluation of potential onshore grid connection points, capacity of the transmission network (Transelectrica) and possible submarine cable routes.
5. Integration of Spatial Constraints and Maritime Uses: Overlay of Romania’s Maritime Spatial Plan with commercial routes, fishing areas, submarine infrastructure and security zones to avoid development conflicts.
6. Logistical and Navigational Considerations: High-level analysis of transport and installation logistics, potential movement restrictions, and maritime security considerations (e.g., temporary exclusion zones).
7. Prioritization and Sizing Offshore Areas: Multi-criteria analysis to rank and prioritize zones based on wind yield, environmental impact, grid feasibility, seabed conditions and compatibility with other maritime uses.
8. Recommended Methodology: Use of GIS systems, modeling of energy output, application of international standards (IEC, World Bank/IFC) and incorporation of best practices from mature offshore wind markets.

Background – Romania’s offshore wind legal framework (Law 121/2024)

The launch of this call is grounded in Law no. 121/2024, which regulates the entire project lifecycle—from defining concessionable areas, to issuing exploration and development permits as well as regulating grid connection and project decommissioning.

However, while this call represents an important milestone, it also represents a catch-up effort, as the Law no. 121/2024 required the Ministry to initiate the study by September 2024—a deadline that was missed without public updates until now. Please also note that several important implementation measures remain incomplete or delayed, including:

• The official list of offshore wind perimeters to be concessioned—due by 31 March 2025—has not yet been published. It depends directly on the results of the study now being commissioned.
• The working groups required to address supply chains, port infrastructure, local workforce development, and administrative simplification have not yet been publicly confirmed.
• The restructuring of ACROPO (soon to become ACROO, the competent offshore authority) and internal changes within the Ministry of Energy are still pending final adoption.

Despite this, progress has been made on several fronts, as presented below.

In December 2024, ANRE approved Order no. 92/2024, a dedicated regulation for the grid connection of offshore wind farms. It introduces templates and procedures specific to offshore connections and clarifies responsibilities for both developers and Transelectrica, including curtailment and redispatch conditions.

In March 2025, ANRE issued Order no. 6/2025, which establishes the legal conditions for licensing offshore wind developers. It outlines:

• Conditions for obtaining the setting-up authorization (autorizație de înființare), including the requirement to hold an exploration permit and a concession agreement with the Ministry of Energy
• The need for documentation, such as the final exploration report, environmental permit and the technical connection endorsement (ATR) from Transelectrica
• The legal framework for granting the production license, which is conditional upon the completion of construction and successful grid commissioning tests

Upcoming steps

This specialized study is essential not only for defining concessionable zones but also for unlocking a range of additional regulatory and commercial steps under Law 121/2024, including:

• Drafting of exploration and development permit procedures
• Determining the royalty and fee structure
• Preparing the legal templates and timelines for future tenders
• Defining state aid support schemes, if applicable

By 30 June 2025, the government is expected to adopt several key acts based on the study’s findings, including:

• Regulations for concession procedures
• Methodology for granting exploration permits
• Approval of royalties, performance guarantees, and fees
• Permit acceptance and licensing procedures

By Claudiu Munteanu-Jipescu, Partner, Oana Voda, Senior Counsel, and Angelica Pintilie, Senior Associate, Dentons