The urgency of transitioning to renewable energy has been significantly amplified by recent geopolitical developments, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These events have exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on fossil fuel imports and underscored the need for energy security within the European Union. Offshore wind energy has emerged as a key strategic asset in this transition, offering a dependable and large-scale renewable energy source. Central and Eastern Europe, with its vast offshore wind potential, is joining the efforts being made in the seas of northern Europe. This push towards offshore wind is not only about reducing dependence on fossil fuels but also about fostering sustainable economic growth and advancing towards the EU’s climate neutrality targets by 2050.
The publication provides a detailed analysis of how to unlock the offshore wind energy potential in the CEE region. It covers key aspects such as designing an effective regulatory framework, maritime spatial planning, grid and infrastructure development, and environmental co-existence. It emphasises the need for coherent policies, cross-border cooperation, and balancing marine ecosystem conservation with wind energy development. The handbook includes guidelines on auctioning, permitting procedures, financial support instruments, and strategic infrastructure planning. It aims to guide policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in navigating the complexities of offshore wind project development in the region, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Authors:
- Marius Koeppen, Analyst, Energy and Climate Program, Center for the Study of Democracy
- Martin Vladimirov, Director, Energy and Climate Program, Center for The Study of Democracy
- Alina Arsani, Head, Energy Systems, Energy Policy Group
- Piotr Siwiński, Offshore Wind Analyst, Instrat Foundation
- Dr. sc. Hrvoje Mikulčić, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb
Contributors:
- Mihai Constantin, Researcher, Energy Policy Group
- Marian Ignat, Blue Energy Fellow, Energy Policy Group
- Michał Smoleń, Head, Energy & Climate Program, Instrat Foundation
- Wojciech Żelisko, Analyst, Instrat Foundation
- Doris Beljan, PhD student, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and
- Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb
- Dr. sc. Neven Duić, Full Professor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb
The BLUECEE project aims at strengthening the capacity and readiness for multi-level governance of sustainable energy deployment in Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, and Romania in the region of the Black-Adriatic-Baltic Sea. Thus, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in the sector. To achieve this goal, BLUECEE creates a knowledge repository, policy advocacy, and outreach instrument: the Black Sea Renewable Energy Coalition platform. During the process of project implementation, a coalition consisting of businesses, public authorities, knowledge institutions and civil society from Bulgaria and Romania is formed. By facilitating a variety of formats for collaboration, the coalition enables the transfer of good practices from more advanced offshore energy markets in Europe to the CEE region and assists in designing a bottom-up policy and governance framework for the deployment of offshore renewable energy in coastal communities. Project is financed by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI).