A FEW ASPECTS REGARDING THE EVALUATION AND EXPLOITATION OF ROMANIA'S WIND ENERGY POTENTIAL

The paper presents some aspects regarding the identification of the wind potential, the location of the areas with high wind potential and the way of wind energy utilization. At the beginning, details are presented regarding the characteristics of wind energy and aggregates that ensure the conversion of primary wind energy into electricity. Ways of scientific research and evaluation of the energy of the wind and the factors on which the degree of conversion of wind energy into electricity depends are presented. While Romania possesses a significant theoretical wind potential, the practical exploitation of this potential is of greater interest for energy development forecasts. The practical potential is considerably lower than the theoretical potential due to land use constraints and market conditions. The results of the assessment of the possibilities of building wind farms for various areas of the country are presented. Romania's installed wind energy capacity, which is mainly derived from onshore wind farms, has been growing steadily over the past decade. Wind energy has become the country's second-largest renewable energy source, following hydropower. By focusing on these aspects, Romania can effectively evaluate and exploit its wind energy potential to enhance its renewable energy portfolio.