Onshore Wind Turbines – Vestas

Project Overview and Contribution to Sustainable Development

A significant order has been placed with Vestas Mediterranean by First Look Solutions S.R.L., a subsidiary of Rezolv Energy, for the second phase of the Vifor wind farm in Buzău County, Romania. This project is a major step forward in advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of clean energy, climate action, and sustainable economic growth.

Upon completion of both phases, the Vifor project will have a total capacity of 461 MW, establishing it as Romania’s largest wind farm and one of the most substantial onshore wind energy facilities in Europe. This development directly supports a nationwide and continental transition towards sustainable energy systems.

Advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The primary objective of the Vifor wind farm is to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in Romania’s energy mix. By generating 461 MW of clean electricity, the project makes a direct and substantial contribution to SDG 7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.

Fostering SDG 13: Climate Action

The Vifor project represents a critical initiative in combating climate change and its impacts. The use of wind power is a direct measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the core targets of SDG 13. The project’s design, incorporating powerful and efficient turbines, is optimized to maximize emissions reduction and support Romania’s climate targets.

Technical Specifications and Project Timeline

The execution of the project is divided into two phases, with the latest order concerning the second phase. Vestas’ involvement extends from turbine supply to long-term operational management, ensuring the project’s efficiency and longevity.

Phase II Details

• Order Capacity: 269 MW
• Turbine Model: 42 units of the V162-6.4 MW from the EnVentus platform, the most powerful turbines to be installed in Romania.
• Service Agreement: A 15-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) contract to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Project Milestones

1. Phase I: Currently under construction, with Vestas providing full Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) solutions and 30 V162-6.4 MW turbines.
2. Phase II Turbine Delivery: Scheduled for the second half of 2026.
3. Phase II Commissioning: Planned for the second half of 2027.

Economic and Social Impact in Romania

Vestas has established a significant presence in Romania since 2009, positioning itself as a key partner in the country’s energy transition. The Vifor project further solidifies this role, generating positive economic and social outcomes.

Supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The project contributes to sustainable economic growth and job creation in Romania. Vestas’ operations in the country, including its Eastern European regional headquarters in Bucharest, already employ over 550 people. The construction and long-term servicing of the Vifor wind farm will sustain and create further skilled employment, particularly for service technicians, thereby supporting SDG 8.

Strengthening SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The Vifor wind farm is a landmark project for building resilient and sustainable infrastructure in Romania. The installation of Vestas’ state-of-the-art EnVentus platform turbines represents an investment in cutting-edge technology and innovation. This development enhances the country’s industrial capacity in the renewable energy sector, directly aligning with the objectives of SDG 9.

Strategic Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

The collaboration between Vestas and Rezolv Energy exemplifies a powerful partnership for sustainable development, as outlined in SDG 17. This joint effort combines Vestas’ technological leadership and local operational strength with Rezolv Energy’s vision for large-scale clean energy deployment. This partnership is instrumental in realizing a project of this magnitude, positioning Romania at the forefront of the European clean energy transition.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the Vifor wind farm project in Romania connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on renewable energy, economic growth, climate action, and partnerships.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire project is centered on developing a large-scale wind farm to generate clean electricity. The article states the project will have a “total capacity of 461 MW,” making it “the largest wind farm in Romania and one of the largest onshore wind farms in Europe.” This directly contributes to increasing the availability of clean energy.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The project fosters economic growth and job creation in Romania. The article mentions that Vestas, the turbine supplier, “employs over 550 people across Romania, including a highly skilled team of service technicians.” The construction and long-term service agreement for a project of this magnitude also stimulate local economic activity.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By generating 461 MW of power from wind, a renewable source, the project directly contributes to climate change mitigation. The article highlights this, quoting Rezolv Energy’s CEO: “the project has been designed to ensure the maximum possible reduction in emissions.” This initiative is a concrete action to combat climate change by transitioning away from fossil fuels.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The project is a result of a partnership between multiple private sector entities. The article details the collaboration between “First Look Solutions S.R.L., a subsidiary of Rezolv Energy,” which placed the order, and “Vestas,” the company supplying and servicing the turbines. This partnership is essential for mobilizing the technology and investment needed for such a large-scale sustainable energy project.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   The Vifor wind farm project, with its total capacity of 461 MW, directly supports this target by significantly increasing Romania’s renewable energy capacity. The article emphasizes that it will be “the largest wind farm in Romania,” contributing to the national and European clean energy mix.

2. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…

   The project involves the use of advanced technology, specifically the “V162-6.4 MW turbines of the EnVentus platform,” described as “the most powerful ever installed in Romania.” This technological upgrading in the energy sector enhances economic productivity and innovation within the country.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   While the article focuses on a corporate project, large-scale infrastructure like the Vifor wind farm is a key component of national strategies to meet climate goals. The project’s stated aim of achieving “the maximum possible reduction in emissions” aligns with and executes on national and international climate action plans.

4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…

   The collaboration between Rezolv Energy and Vestas is a clear example of a private-private partnership aimed at achieving sustainable development. The article details this business relationship, from the “269 MW order” to the “15-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) agreement,” showcasing a partnership that leverages respective strengths to build sustainable infrastructure.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 7.2: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (Indicator 7.2.1).

  The article provides a direct quantitative measure for this: the total planned capacity of the wind farm is 461 MW. This figure represents a concrete addition to Romania’s renewable energy capacity, which can be used to calculate the increased share of renewables.

• Indicator for Target 8.2: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita.

  While not providing a direct value, the article implies progress through the scale of the project and the jobs created. The mention that Vestas “employs over 550 people across Romania” and has established “five service hubs and a regional training center” serves as a qualitative and partial quantitative indicator of economic activity and value addition in the high-tech energy sector.

• Indicator for Target 13.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year.

  The article implies a direct impact on this indicator. Although it does not state the exact amount of CO2 emissions that will be avoided, it explicitly mentions the project’s goal is “the maximum possible reduction in emissions.” The installation of 461 MW of wind power is a proxy indicator for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power generation.

• Indicator for Target 17.17: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships.

  The article describes a major commercial agreement between Rezolv Energy and Vestas for a “269 MW order” and a “15-year” service contract. While the exact monetary value is not disclosed, the scale of the order serves as a strong qualitative indicator of a significant financial commitment within a private-sector partnership for sustainable development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vestas.com