Black Sea Renewable Energy Coalition
The Black Sea Renewable Energy Coalition (BSREC) is an informal platform for collaboration on the development of offshore renewable energy in the Black Sea. The Coalition brings together national and EU institutions, NGOs, offshore wind farms developers, research institutions, renewable energy experts and grid operators.
Goals
- Facilitate comprehensive planning for offshore wind energy development, integrating environmental protection and restoration strategies with global climate goals;
- Align conflicting interests among project developers, infrastructure operators, environmental organizations, the tourism industry, and other relevant stakeholders;
- Enhance the capacity for multi-level governance of sustainable energy in the Black Sea;
- Build the capacity of local communities and policymakers to address common challenges before the growth of marine renewable energy in Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia and Ukraine.
NEWS
Membership in the BSREC
By becoming a member, you will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy initiatives in the Black Sea region and play a crucial role in shaping the future of renewable energy development. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
By signing the MoU, you commit to the coalition’s vision of promoting environmentally and socially responsible offshore energy projects in the Black Sea. The MoU outlines the shared goals, principles, and responsibilities that unite all members. - Participation in Working Groups:
As member of BSREC, you will have the opportunity to actively engage in the coalition’s activities through three dedicated working groups (WGs).
Each WG develops an annual working program that outlines specific objectives, activities, and milestones. You will actively participate in the implementation of the program, contributing your expertise and ideas to achieve the collective goals.
Members of BSREC come together at least three times to share updates, insights, and progress on ongoing projects. These meetings provide an invaluable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and policy co-creation.
If you are ready to contribute to the renewable energy transformation in the Black Sea, we invite you to join BSREC and be a part of the pathway to a greener future, untapping the region’s enormous potential for marine renewable energy.
Working Groups
This group focuses on the strategic planning of offshore renewable energy projects, ensuring that they are developed in a manner that aligns with environmental protection guidelines, maritime safety, and regulatory frameworks. Members collaborate on creating guidelines for efficient and well-coordinated spatial plans to optimize renewable energy potential while safeguarding the marine environment.
WG2 focuses on the mitigation of the environmental impacts of offshore energy projects. Members cooperate to identify best practices for co-existence with marine ecosystems and wildlife, seek innovative solutions for biodiversity preservation and minimize ecological disruption.
WG3 tackles the challenges of developing the enabling infrastructure for offshore wind energy deployment. This group focuses on enhancing the Black Sea region’s transmission grid, the ports’ capacity, and the supply chain management, facilitating the functioning of offshore wind energy projects.
Publications
We are Growing New Talents: Our Blue Energy Fellows
At BSREC, we believe in nurturing the next generation of experts driving the sustainable energy transition in the Black Sea region. Our Blue Energy Fellows program is an exceptional opportunity for PhDs and young professionals to have a real impact in the marine renewable energy industry.
A Platform for Learning and Growth:
Our Blue Energy Fellows are passionate individuals eager to gain practical experience in the field of marine renewable energy. Over six months, they work as coalition officers, deeply involved with the BSREC’s initiatives. During their time with us, they have the chance to learn from industry experts, researchers, and stakeholders, enriching their understanding of the complexities of unlocking the potential for renewable energy in the Black Sea.
Contributing to the BSREC:
Blue Energy Fellows play an integral role in the coordination and implementation of BSREC’s initiatives. They actively participate in the various working groups, supporting the development of regulatory frameworks, infrastructure planning and environmental co-existence strategies. They contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, adding momentum to the coalition’s ongoing efforts.
Mentorship and Guidance:
During their program, our Fellows receive guidance from experienced experts within the coalition.
Join Our Blue Energy Fellows Program:
If you are a passionate PhD or young professional with a keen interest in renewable energy and a drive to make a positive impact on the environment and society, we invite you to apply for our Blue Energy Fellows program by sending your CV and a short letter of motivation.
Blue Energy Fellows:
Slavyana Peeva
Fellow
Slavyana Peeva was the first Blue Fellow of the Coalition between April-September 2023. She is a PhD candidate at the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), focusing on the development of the market for critical minerals and raw materials in Southeastern Europe. During her work at the BSREC, she focused on the following areas:
- Marine science linked to the environmental issues of renewable energy deployment
- Maritime Spatial Planning approaches in the Baltic and Adriatic Seas
- Offshore wind stakeholder mapping and engagement
- Research of the different regulatory set-ups for offshore wind in Europe
- Maintaining active offshore wind energy outreach and communications
About
BSREC is a dynamic and forward-thinking initiative committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions in the Black Sea region.
BSREC is managed by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) and the Energy Policy Group (EPG), prominent European policy institutes, which have played a pivotal role in unlocking the Black Sea offshore wind energy sector.
BSREC operates in close collaboration with the Offshore Energy and Nature Coalition (OCEaN), led by the Renewable Grid Initiative (RGI). OCEaN is one of the most influential EU-level networks offering valuable expertise and support to ensure sustainable deployment of marine renewable energy. Together, we work towards balancing the development of offshore energy with the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems.
Contacts:
- Mariya Trifonva, Senior Research Fellow, Energy & Climate Program, Center for the Study of Democracy.
- Remina Aleksieva, Analyst, Energy & Climate Program, Center for the Study of Democracy.
- Marius Koeppen, Analyst, Energy & Climate Program, Center for the Study of Democracy.
Members
