Wind Energy Electrical Work: A Booming International Field

Introduction

If you are a professional electrician anywhere in the world and you are considering a move to the European Union, Romania should be on your shortlist. The country is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, especially in wind, and it needs skilled electricians to build, commission, and maintain these systems. Romania offers a rare mix for tradespeople: competitive EU salaries, a lower cost of living, well-funded infrastructure projects, and a gateway to the wider European job market. For electricians with experience in electrical installations, industrial wiring, or renewable energy systems, wind energy electrical work in Romania represents a booming international field with strong long-term prospects.

In plain terms: there is work to do, good money to be made, and a quality-of-life upgrade to enjoy. Onshore wind farms in the Dobrogea region near Constanta and Tulcea already form one of the largest concentrations of wind capacity in Southeastern Europe, and the pipeline for grid upgrades, repowering, and new sites is steady. Offshore wind is the next wave, with Romania preparing a regulatory framework for Black Sea projects. Whether you want to join a major turbine OEM, an EPC contractor, a grid company, or a specialist service provider, Romania has opportunities to match your skills.

This comprehensive guide explains what electricians relocating from abroad need to know: job opportunities, legal requirements, certification pathways (including ANRE authorization), Romanian electrical standards, salary and cost of living expectations, language and cultural insights, and step-by-step relocation actions. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap for building a career in Romania's green and renewable energy sector.

Why Romania?

EU Membership and Access to the European Market

Romania is a member of the European Union and part of the single market. Working in Romania can be a strategic entry point into the broader EU energy and construction ecosystem. Once you are legally employed and established, you can build connections with multinational employers present across Europe and leverage project-based assignments that move across borders.

Low Cost of Living with EU-Linked Salaries

Romania's cost of living is significantly lower than Western European countries while salaries in the renewable energy and construction sectors have been catching up. This combination means high purchasing power for skilled trades. In Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi, you can rent modern apartments, enjoy a vibrant cultural life, and still save a solid portion of your income. For mobile wind farm assignments with per diems, the financial upside can be even stronger.

A Real Need for Electricians

Romania has aging grid infrastructure, an ambitious energy transition agenda, and a high volume of new-build and retrofit projects. Electricians are in demand for:

Onshore wind farm installation and O&M
Grid connection, substations, and transmission upgrades
Industrial automation and SCADA integration for renewables
Residential and commercial electrical work aligned with smart building systems
EV charging infrastructure and energy storage projects

Quality of Life

The country balances urban amenities with access to nature. From the Black Sea coast near Constanta to the Carpathian mountains, outdoor activities are close by. Healthcare is accessible and improving, major cities are increasingly international, and English is widely spoken in technical and business contexts. Romania's work culture values professionalism and safety on site and tends to be pragmatic and solution-oriented.

Job Market Overview

Romania's green energy landscape creates diverse opportunities for electricians at all levels, from apprentices with solid fundamentals to senior commissioning engineers. Below are the key segments where your skills are valuable.

1) Onshore Wind: Construction, Commissioning, and O&M

Romania's onshore wind capacity is concentrated in Dobrogea (Constanta and Tulcea counties), with additional sites across Moldavia and Banat. Electricians are needed for:

Turbine electrical systems: nacelle wiring, switch cabinets, pitch and yaw systems
LV and MV cabling: 0.4 kV auxiliary systems, 20 kV collection systems, terminations and joints
Earthing and lightning protection: turbine earthing grids, bonding, surge protection
Substation and interconnection: 110 kV step-up transformers, protection and control panels, relay testing
SCADA and communications: fiber runs between turbines and substations, network cabinets, sensors and I/O wiring
Commissioning: functional tests, insulation resistance, loop checks, protection relay settings, power quality checks
Operations and maintenance: preventive maintenance schedules, troubleshooting converters and generators, component replacement, working-at-height tasks

Common employers:

Turbine OEMs: Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, GE Renewable Energy, Nordex
EPC and construction firms: Electromontaj, Energobit, Adrem, Monsson, Romelectro
Renewable energy developers: EDP Renewables, Enel Green Power, Verbund, local IPPs
Specialist service providers: cable jointing companies, testing and commissioning firms, SCADA integrators

Typical sites: Onshore wind farms near Constanta and Tulcea, grid connection works around Medgidia, Ovidiu, and Cogealac, and repowering projects where older turbines are upgraded or replaced.

2) Offshore Wind: Emerging Black Sea Opportunities

Offshore wind in Romania is an emerging field. Regulatory frameworks for leasing, permitting, and grid integration in the Black Sea are being developed, with pilot projects and feasibility studies underway. Electricians with offshore experience can position themselves early by securing international certifications and building relationships with OEMs and marine contractors. Expect ramp-up timelines to be medium-term, with larger-scale construction likely later in the decade.

Demand will center on:

Offshore substation platforms (HV equipment, protection and control, fire detection, emergency power)
Export cable landfall and onshore substations
Turbine pre-assembly ports and site installation logistics
SCADA, fiber networks, and grid code-compliant commissioning

3) Grid, Substations, and Transmission

The national transmission system operator, Transelectrica, and distribution operators (E-Distributie, Delgaz Grid, Distribuție Energie Electrică Romania, Distribuție Oltenia) are upgrading assets to handle renewable integration. Electricians with MV/HV experience are needed for:

110 kV substations: switchgear, relay panels, control cabinets
Protection testing: secondary injection, relay coordination, disturbance recording
MV switchgear retrofits and IEC 61850-based automation
Overhead line connections and underground cable systems

4) Industrial Automation and SCADA for Renewables

Wind farms rely on robust automation. Electricians with PLCs, distributed control systems, and SCADA backgrounds can find roles in commissioning and maintenance. Knowledge of IEC 61850, Modbus TCP/IP, and fiber optic splicing is valuable. Companies involved include Energobit, Adrem, and international integrators working on Romanian projects.

5) Residential, Commercial, and Smart Buildings

While wind may be your primary target, supplemental or transitional work is plentiful in cities:

Electrical installations for new residential developments
Smart building systems (KNX, BACnet) and energy efficiency retrofits
EV charger installation and maintenance

Cities with strong construction activity: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi.

Legal Requirements (Work Permits and Visas)

Requirements differ for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens versus non-EU citizens. Since many readers are relocating from outside the EU, the following focuses on Global citizens. Always check the latest procedures with the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrari, IGI) and the nearest Romanian consulate.

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

No work visa is needed.
Register your residence with IGI to obtain a Registration Certificate once you start work.
You will need an employment contract and proof of accommodation.

For Non-EU Citizens (Global)

Romania typically follows a two-step process: a work authorization obtained by your employer, followed by a long-stay work visa and then a residence permit after arrival.

Find a sponsoring employer in Romania

You must first secure a job offer. The employer applies for your work authorization.
The employer proves the position was advertised locally and that you meet the qualifications.

Employer obtains Work Authorization (Autorizatie de munca)

Applied through IGI by the employer.
Documents commonly required from you:
- Passport (valid for at least 6-12 months beyond planned stay)
- Recent photos
- CV, diplomas, trade certificates, and letters of experience
- Criminal record certificate from your home country
- Medical certificate or statement of good health
- Proof of accommodation (sometimes provided later)
- Translations into Romanian by a sworn translator; legalization or apostille may be needed
Processing time: commonly 30-45 working days, but varies.

Apply for Long-Stay Work Visa (Visa type D/AM)

Once the work authorization is issued, apply at a Romanian consulate for a D/AM visa.
Provide your passport, work authorization, proof of means, accommodation, travel insurance, and fees.
Processing time: usually 10-20 working days.

Enter Romania and Obtain Residence Permit (Single Permit)

Within 15 days of entering, apply to IGI for a residence permit for work purposes.
You will submit your employment contract, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and biometric data.
Permits are typically valid for up to 1-2 years and renewable.

Family Reunification

After you obtain your residence permit, you may sponsor close family members for long-stay visas for family reunification, subject to income and housing requirements.

Alternatives: EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card in Romania targets highly qualified workers, usually requiring a university degree and a higher salary threshold. Many electrician roles do not require a university degree, so the standard work authorization route is usually more suitable.

Important notes:

You cannot work on a tourist or business visa.
If you plan to operate as an independent contractor, seek local legal advice. Many foreign electricians start with regular employment and only consider setting up a Romanian company (SRL) after they understand tax and compliance obligations.

Certification and License Recognition

Romania regulates electrical work, and employers expect formal authorization, especially on wind, grid, and industrial projects. You will likely need to align your credentials with Romanian and EU norms.

ANRE Authorization for Electricians

The National Energy Regulatory Authority (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei, ANRE) issues authorizations to electricians who design, execute, operate, and verify electrical installations. Authorization applies to individuals, with categories and grades that reflect voltage levels and types of activities.

Grades I-IV: Broadly, these align with scope and complexity.
- Grade I: Lower voltage work and operation/maintenance tasks under defined conditions.
- Grade II: Execution and operation at low and medium voltage as defined by ANRE.
- Grade III: Design activities for electrical installations within specified voltage ranges.
- Grade IV: Verification, technical responsibility, and higher-level oversight functions.
Subcategories: ANRE authorizations are issued by activity type (such as design and execution) and by voltage domain (low voltage, medium voltage, and sometimes high voltage depending on the authorization).

What you should know as a relocating electrician:

For construction and O&M on wind projects, employers often expect ANRE authorization appropriate for LV and MV work. MV collection systems and substations require suitable authorization and demonstrated experience.
If you are focused on design or verification roles, you will target the corresponding ANRE grades and activity types.
ANRE authorization requires documented training and experience and usually passing an exam that covers Romanian standards and safety regulations.

Application basics:

Prepare your documents: passport, CV, diplomas, apprenticeship certificates, proof of experience, references.
Translate and legalize: documents must be translated into Romanian by sworn translators; apostille or legalization may be required.
Training and exam: you may need to attend preparatory courses at authorized centers and pass an ANRE exam in Romanian norms.
Renewal: ANRE authorizations are time-limited and require periodic renewal, including proof of continuous professional development.

Tip: If you are targeting a job offer first, many Romanian employers will help you map your current certification to the appropriate ANRE grade and support the application process.

Romanian Electrical Standards You Must Know

Romania aligns closely with European and international standards. Key references include:

SR HD 60364 series: Romanian adoption of IEC 60364 for low-voltage electrical installations
I7/2011: A core normative for design and execution of electrical installations in buildings
EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU: Safety requirements for electrical equipment operating within certain voltage limits
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: Relevant where electrical equipment integrates with machinery
ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU: For equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres, where applicable
PPE Regulation 2016/425 and Work Equipment Directive 2009/104/EC
National Occupational Health and Safety Law 319/2006

On wind projects, you will also encounter employer and OEM specifications, utility grid codes, and IEC/IEEE standards for protection and control. Romanian utilities may have their own technical norms for substations and interconnections that contractors must follow.

Safety Certifications and GWO

In wind energy, safety credentials are non-negotiable. Hiring managers for onshore and offshore roles look for:

GWO BST (Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training): Working at Heights, First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness; Sea Survival for offshore roles
GWO BTT (Basic Technical Training): Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulics
LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) training specific to the site
First aid beyond GWO (e.g., nationally recognized first aid certificates)
Electrical safety qualifications appropriate for MV/HV switching and live working rules

Romania hosts GWO-accredited training centers, notably in and around Constanta (close to Dobrogea wind clusters) and in Bucharest. These centers also offer refresher modules.

Recognizing Foreign Qualifications

Electricians with international certificates (e.g., from IEC-aligned countries) can often demonstrate equivalence but still need the ANRE authorization to perform regulated tasks.
If you hold specialized authorizations (e.g., high-voltage switching, cable jointing), maintain logs of your practical experience and calibration records of your instruments to support competence claims.
Prepare to sit local exams in Romanian standards; some employers provide Romanian-language support or training.

Salary and Benefits

Actual pay depends on role, experience, location, and whether you work on a fixed city-based job or travel to wind farm sites. The ranges below are realistic snapshots in late 2024/early 2025 terms. Currency conversions assume approximately 1 EUR = 5 RON.

City-Based Electrical Roles (Monthly Gross)

Journeyman electrician (residential/commercial): 6,000 - 10,000 RON gross (about 1,200 - 2,000 EUR)
Industrial electrician (factory, automation): 8,000 - 14,000 RON gross (about 1,600 - 2,800 EUR)
Commissioning technician (LV/MV systems): 10,000 - 18,000 RON gross (about 2,000 - 3,600 EUR)
Electrical foreman/site supervisor: 12,000 - 20,000 RON gross (about 2,400 - 4,000 EUR)

Net take-home will depend on social contributions and tax. As a rough guide, employees contribute 25% to pension and 10% to health insurance, plus a 10% income tax on the taxable base. Many employers also provide meal vouchers and overtime premiums.

Wind Farm and Grid Project Roles (Monthly or Day Rates)

Wind turbine technician (onshore, traveling): 9,000 - 16,000 RON gross monthly, plus per diem; or 100 - 180 EUR/day depending on employer and rotation
MV cable jointer/terminator: 140 - 220 EUR/day, often with travel and accommodation covered
Commissioning engineer (protection and control): 180 - 300 EUR/day
HV substation electrical technician: 140 - 220 EUR/day

Typical benefits for traveling roles:

Per diem (diurna) for meals and incidentals when working away from base city
Accommodation provided or housing allowance near site
Transportation to site and rotation travel
PPE, tools, and training renewals (including GWO refreshers)

Bonuses and Extras

Overtime and night shift premiums
Annual performance bonuses (common but not guaranteed)
Private health insurance top-ups
Meal vouchers (tichete de masa) commonly 20 - 40 RON per workday

Cost of Living in Romania

Romania offers good value for money, especially compared to Western Europe. Costs vary by city and lifestyle.

Accommodation (Monthly Rent)

Bucharest: 500 - 900 EUR for a 1-bedroom in central or popular districts; 400 - 700 EUR in outer areas
Cluj-Napoca: 450 - 800 EUR (demand is high due to IT and university sectors)
Timisoara: 350 - 650 EUR
Iasi: 300 - 550 EUR

Shared housing or suburban options can reduce costs by 20-30%. Many traveling technicians use company-provided apartments near wind sites.

Utilities and Internet

Electricity, heating, water, garbage: 80 - 150 EUR/month for a 1-bedroom apartment (higher in winter)
High-speed internet and mobile: 7 - 15 EUR/month each, with reliable 4G/5G coverage

Transportation

Public transport monthly pass: 80 - 120 RON (16 - 24 EUR) in most cities
Bucharest metro and buses are extensive; other cities rely on buses/trams
Fuel: roughly 7 - 8 RON/liter
Ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) is widely available in major cities

Food and Daily Expenses

Groceries for one person: 200 - 300 EUR/month
Lunch menu at local restaurant: 30 - 50 RON (6 - 10 EUR)
Coffee: 8 - 15 RON (1.6 - 3 EUR)

Sample Monthly Budget for a Single Electrician in Bucharest

Rent (1-bedroom): 650 EUR
Utilities and internet: 120 EUR
Groceries and meals: 280 EUR
Transport: 25 EUR
Mobile and miscellaneous: 30 EUR
Total: approximately 1,105 EUR

With a gross salary of 12,000 RON (about 2,400 EUR), your net after tax and contributions might be around 1,400 - 1,600 EUR depending on specific deductions, leaving room for savings.

Cultural Integration

Language Basics

Romanian is a Romance language with similarities to Italian and French. In technical settings, you will often find English speakers, especially among engineers and project managers. However, learning basic Romanian will improve workplace communication and rapport with site teams.

Useful phrases:

Buna ziua: Good day/Hello
Multumesc: Thank you
Va rog: Please
Unde este santierul?: Where is the site?
Planul de siguranta: Safety plan
Blocare etichetare: Lockout tagout
Casca si manusi: Helmet and gloves

Workplace Culture

Safety-first: Toolbox talks, permits to work, and LOTO procedures are standard on reputable sites.
Structure and responsibility: Clear hierarchies exist. Technical responsibility roles are formally assigned.
Punctuality and documentation: Arrive on time and maintain accurate test records, handover sheets, and redlines.
Teamwork: Mixed crews of local and international staff are common. Respect and clarity go a long way.

Living in Romanian Cities

Bucharest: Fast-paced, many international companies, extensive public transport
Cluj-Napoca: Tech hub with strong university influence, lively cultural life
Timisoara: Western-oriented city, manufacturing and engineering base
Iasi: Academic center with growing engineering and services sectors

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this step-by-step plan to move from decision to first day on site.

Assess Your Fit for Wind and Renewables

Do you have experience in LV/MV work, industrial automation, or renewable energy? If not, plan short upskilling courses (e.g., GWO BTT Electrical, MV switchgear familiarization).
Audit your toolbox and instruments for EU standards compliance (CE marked, 230 V/50 Hz compatibility).

Prepare a Romania-Ready CV and Project List

Create an English CV highlighting wind, industrial, or construction projects, with voltage levels and responsibilities.
Add a project list with references, photos (if permitted), and test records that demonstrate competence.

Target Employers and Platforms

Direct: Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, GE Renewable Energy, Nordex, Electromontaj, Energobit, Adrem, Monsson
Portals: eJobs, BestJobs, LinkedIn, Hipo, company career pages
Recruiters: Specialist agencies for energy and construction in Romania and the EU

Line Up Certifications

Book GWO BST and BTT if you plan to work in wind; refresh if they are near expiry.
Gather existing certificates: electrical trade license, MV jointing training, first aid, working at heights.

Secure a Job Offer with Sponsorship

Confirm the employer will sponsor your work authorization.
Clarify rotation schedules, day rates or salary, per diem, accommodation, and tools/PPE policy.

Document Preparation

Obtain criminal record certificate from your home country.
Have diplomas and certificates translated into Romanian and apostilled/legalized as needed.
Prepare medical certificate as required and passport photos.

Employer Applies for Work Authorization

Provide all requested documents promptly.
Track timelines (30-45 working days is common) and maintain communication.

Apply for Long-Stay Work Visa (D/AM)

Submit at the Romanian consulate with your work authorization and supporting documents.
Arrange travel once approved.

Arrival and Residence Permit

Register with IGI for your residence permit; provide employment contract, accommodation proof, and health insurance.
Set up a local bank account and obtain a personal numerical code (CNP) as part of the residence process.

Start ANRE Authorization Process

With employer support, apply for the appropriate ANRE grade and activity type.
Enroll in a preparatory course on Romanian standards (I7/2011, SR HD 60364, safety norms) and schedule your exam.

Housing and Logistics

If the employer does not provide accommodation, shortlist apartments near transport routes.
Acquire local SIM card, transport pass, PPE that meets local requirements, and any project-specific tools.

Continuous Improvement

After 2-3 months on site, review additional training needs: MV switching authorization, protection testing, fiber splicing, or SCADA basics.

Success Tips from Other Expats

Learn key technical Romanian terms early; label your notebook with Romanian-English glossaries for common equipment.
Keep impeccable test sheets and calibration certificates. It builds trust quickly with Romanian site managers.
Be proactive about safety. GWO and strict LOTO discipline are respected and open doors to higher-responsibility tasks.
Network locally: attend energy meetups and trade fairs in Bucharest or Constanta. Many wind roles spread by word-of-mouth between contractors.
Brace for weather in Dobrogea: strong winds are great for turbines, tough for humans. Invest in quality windproof PPE.
Confirm tool voltage and plug types. Romania uses 230 V, 50 Hz, and Type F (Schuko) sockets. Bring adapters for chargers and ensure CE compliance.
Understand per diem rules. Clarify tax treatment of allowances and what is covered (meals, laundry, local transport).
For families, research international schools in Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, and verify family reunification steps early.
Use ride-hailing for late shifts when public transport is sparse, especially in winter.
Keep a spare set of work-at-height gloves and headlamp in your bag. Small preparedness wins respect on site.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Wind energy electrical work in Romania is not just a job opportunity; it is a strategic career move into a growing EU market. With onshore wind already mature and offshore wind on the horizon, skilled electricians can find stable, well-paid roles that make a tangible impact on the energy transition. Romania offers accessible living costs, modern cities, and a supportive ecosystem for tradespeople.

Start your journey today: update your CV, get your GWO training in order, target reputable employers in Romania, and plan your ANRE authorization pathway. With the right preparation, you can be on site in a matter of months, building the future of clean energy in the heart of Europe.

FAQ

1) Do I need to speak Romanian to work on wind farms in Romania?

No, it is not strictly required for many roles, especially with international employers. English is commonly used in technical and safety contexts. However, learning basic Romanian accelerates integration and improves safety communication on mixed crews. It also helps when completing ANRE processes and reading local standards.

2) What ANRE grade should I apply for as a wind turbine electrician?

Most field technicians working on LV auxiliary systems and MV collection circuits pursue ANRE authorization appropriate for LV/MV execution and operation tasks. Supervisors, designers, and verifiers target higher grades that cover design and verification. Your employer can help match your background to the correct grade and activity type based on project scope.

3) How long does the work permit and visa process take for non-EU citizens?

From job offer to arrival, plan for 8 to 12 weeks in typical cases. Employer work authorization may take 30-45 working days. The D/AM visa at the consulate often takes 10-20 working days after authorization is issued. Timelines vary by season and local workload.

4) What are realistic salaries for wind technicians in Romania?

Onshore wind technicians commonly earn 9,000 - 16,000 RON gross per month with per diems, or day rates of 100 - 180 EUR depending on experience and rotation. MV cable jointers and commissioning specialists earn more, often 140 - 300 EUR per day. Benefits usually include accommodation or allowance, travel, and meal vouchers.

5) Will my foreign electrician license be recognized?

Your foreign qualifications and experience will be considered by employers, but for regulated electrical tasks in Romania you will need ANRE authorization aligned with your role. Organize your documents, obtain translations, and be prepared for an exam on Romanian standards. GWO and safety courses remain valid when taken at accredited centers.

6) Are my tools and test instruments acceptable in Romania?

Ensure tools are CE-marked and compatible with 230 V/50 Hz. Test instruments (insulation testers, multimeters, clamp meters) should have current calibration certificates. For MV/HV work, confirm your personal protective equipment (gloves, mats, arc-rated clothing) meets EU standards. Romanian sites often check documentation during inductions.

7) What are the biggest practical differences in electrical standards?

Romania aligns with IEC-based standards. If you come from a country using different codes (e.g., North America), expect differences in wiring color codes, protective device selection, earthing systems, and documentation. SR HD 60364 and I7/2011 guide low-voltage installations. The EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and related regulations apply to equipment and safety.

8) Can I bring my family, and can my spouse work?

Yes. After you obtain your residence permit, family reunification is possible. Spouses from non-EU countries typically need their own residence permit to work. EU citizen spouses can work after registering. Check current IGI rules and plan documentation early (marriage certificate with apostille and translation).

9) Is offshore wind work available now in Romania?

Offshore wind is in early stages. Most current jobs are onshore. However, Romania is moving toward a formal framework for Black Sea projects. Electricians with offshore certifications (including GWO Sea Survival) can prepare now and target early-stage roles in port pre-assembly, export cables, and onshore grid connections as projects advance.

10) What cities should I consider living in as a wind electrician?

Bucharest: Best for corporate hubs, training centers, and travel connections; plenty of city-based projects.
Constanta: Close to Dobrogea wind farms and the Black Sea; strong logistics for wind projects.
Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi: Good bases for general electrical work and occasional renewable projects; strong quality of life and growing engineering sectors.

11) How do taxes work for employees?

Romania applies a flat income tax of 10% on taxable income, with employee social contributions of 25% to pension and 10% to health insurance. Employers also pay their contributions. Your employment contract should quote a gross salary; employers will provide net estimates. Meal vouchers and per diems can be tax-advantaged within limits.

12) Can I move into protection and control or commissioning from a general electrician background?

Yes. Many electricians upskill with targeted courses in protection testing, relay configuration, IEC 61850, and SCADA fundamentals. After assisting on a few commissioning projects and building a logbook, you can command higher day rates and broaden your career across grid and renewable projects.