Romania's Urleasca Wind Project Nears Final Approval Amid European Wind Industry Discontent
Urleasca Wind Farm SRL, a company controlled by Israeli firms BIG Shopping Centers Ltd. and MEGA OR Ltd., is set to receive final authorization from Romania’s ANRE for a 102 MW wind farm. This project has sparked significant controversy within Wind Europe, the European wind industry association, due to its financing structure. While partially funded by a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the project will use Chinese-made turbines, a decision that has irked industry leaders.
Giles Dickson, CEO of Wind Europe, criticized the use of non-European technology, referencing Ursula von der Leyen's speech at the European Parliament advocating for the future of clean technology in Europe to be "made in Europe." Dickson expressed disappointment in the EBRD’s decision to fund the project under these terms, stating that it undermines European energy policies aimed at strengthening local supply chains.
The wind farm, which includes 17 turbines, is expected to generate 270 GWh annually. It marks the first renewable energy project by BIG MEGA Renewable Energy in the EBRD region, with a loan exceeding €46 million. Despite the controversy, this development is part of a broader wave of Israeli investments in Romania’s renewable energy sector.
Source: Economica.net
