A newly-formed developer has unveiled plans for up to 3 GW of offshore wind capacity in the Bulgarian sector of the Black Sea
Hooracán Energy said it recently submitted proposals to the Government of Bulgaria for what would be the first offshore windfarms in the Black Sea.
“Our plan is to initiate development, subject to regulatory approvals, across three projects totalling 3 GW,” said the company.
Hooracán Energychief executive Alex Gospodinov founded the company earlier in 2022. He has experience in renewable energy development at Macquarie Capital and bp.
“The energy transition in the Balkans and eastern Europe is accelerating, “ he said. “We are excited at the prospect of helping Bulgaria diversify its energy system with clean and affordable offshore wind.
“Thermal power generation represents approximately 40% of the energy mix in Bulgaria and in Romania. Phasing this out will require ~30 GW of new renewable energy.”
Mr Gospodinov said developing renewables onshore in the region is potentially problematic because of a what he described as a ‘multi-layered permitting process,’ an extensive network of Natura 2000 protected areas, and the importance of agricultural sector in the region.
In contrast, he believes, the Black Sea provides an opportunity to explore an abundant offshore wind resource. Mr Gospodinov said the company has also submitted proposals for offshore wind in Romania.
In In March 2022, members of the energy committee in Bulgaria’s National Assembly rallied around the creation of a legislative framework that would enable the country to tap a 116-GW technical potential for offshore wind.
