Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the Black Sea region’s potential for renewable energy, focusing on offshore wind and waves. The study highlights the Black Sea as a new region for marine renewables exploitation in the context of climate objectives and the European shift to renewable energy. It also incorporates results from different previous studies, when data from in situ measurements, satellite observations, and numerical simulations and climate reanalysis have been considered and analyzed. The reviewed studies cover a wide time span from historical data in the late 20th century to projections extending until 2100, considering the climate change impact. They focus on both localized coastal regions (predominantly Romanian waters) and the larger Black Sea Basin. The comparative analysis identifies the northwestern part of the sea as the most favorable region for the development of offshore wind farms. The present work also discusses the environmental implications and technological development of different types of wave energy converters (WECs) and their use in hybrid systems integrating multiple marine energy resources. The review concludes by highlighting the region’s outstanding potential for renewable energy and stressing the need for technological development, regional policy integration, and investment in infrastructure to enable sustainable marine energy harnessing.