An integrated techno-economic assessment of offshore wind energy potential in Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone

The present study provides an integrated techno-economic assessment of offshore wind energy potential within Romania’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Black Sea. The analysis combines wind resource evaluation, bathymetric constraints, grid accessibility, and cost modeling to identify optimal development zones for future offshore wind farms. Wind speed datasets and mesoscale modeling indicate favorable conditions in the central and northern sectors of the Romanian EEZ, particularly in areas located 40–120 km offshore, where average wind speeds exceed 7.5–8.5 m/s at 100 m hub height. Three priority development zones are proposed: a northern sector near the maritime boundary with Ukraine, characterized by relatively shallow waters suitable for fixed-bottom foundations; a central offshore corridor with moderate depths (30–50 m), appropriate for monopile and jacket structures; and a deeper southern zone, where floating wind technology could be economically viable under projected cost reductions. Proximity to existing grid infrastructure in Constanța and potential interconnection capacity significantly enhances economic feasibility. The techno-economic evaluation incorporates capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), capacity factors, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) estimates. Results suggest competitive LCOE values under supportive policy frameworks, positioning Romania’s EEZ as a strategic area for large-scale offshore wind deployment and long-term energy security in the Black Sea region.