Context
The current climate crisis, aggravated by geopolitical tensions such as the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, increasingly highlights the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to expand energy production from renewable sources such as solar and wind power. In this context, the energy transition must be accelerated.
However, the rapid development of new renewable energy capacities, which involves allocating dedicated land areas, simplified procedures, and shorter permitting timelines, may negatively affect nature and, consequently, people's quality of life if not carried out through responsible planning. When renewable energy development takes into account natural values and the needs of local communities, conflicts can be significantly reduced.
In this context, the Milvus Group, in partnership with WWF-Romania and the Romanian Ornithological Society (SOR), is implementing the RENBAL project – Renewables and Nature in Balance. As a Member State of the European Union, Romania is required to map and designate renewable acceleration areas. Through the RENBAL project, we support this national process by developing tools such as an ecological sensitivity map, impact mitigation measures, a social values assessment, and a technical and policy dialogue platform.
These tools will support decision-makers and relevant stakeholders in identifying the most suitable areas for energy development and avoiding ecologically and socially sensitive zones. The tools developed within the project will contribute to evidence-based, cross-sectoral decision-making.
The project promotes an integrated and multi-sectoral approach to support the official process of mapping and designating onshore wind and solar renewable acceleration areas in Romania, ensuring that climate objectives are met without compromising nature protection.
The project runs over a period of 24 months, starting on 01.02.2026, and is supported with CHF 600,000 through the Civic Engagement Programme, funded by the Swiss Contribution aimed at reducing economic and social disparities within the European Union.
Project directions
Biodiversity and Renewables
Ecological sensitivity map, impact mitigation measures, and pilot guidelines for responsible development.
Ecological Sensitivity Map
Within the RENBAL project, a digital ecological sensitivity map will be developed for mainland Romania to support the identification and designation of Renewable Acceleration Areas (RAA). The map will integrate data on species, natural habitats, protected areas, and other relevant spatial information, in line with the European Commission's recommendations for implementing the RED III Directive.
The development process includes biodiversity data analysis and integration, GIS-based identification of sensitive areas, and field verification to validate results. The map will delineate:
- areas suitable for designation as RAA;
- areas where projects may proceed only with additional environmental assessments;
- sensitive "NO GO" areas, where renewable energy development is not recommended.
The map will be publicly available and accompanied by its methodology, data sources, and recommendations for its use in planning processes.
Impact Mitigation Measures Collection
The project will develop a collection of biodiversity impact mitigation measures for onshore wind and solar energy projects. The document will include examples of solutions to avoid or reduce cumulative impacts on species, habitats, and ecosystem services.
The collection can be used by authorities, investors, and other stakeholders in the planning and permitting of renewable energy projects, both within and outside RAA zones.
Mitigation Rulebook for Pilot Areas
Based on the sensitivity map, two pilot areas will be selected - one for wind energy and one for solar energy - where "Mitigation Rulebook" models will be developed.
These documents will define the environmental measures required to avoid and reduce the impact of renewable energy projects on biodiversity. Their development will combine analysis of existing data, field assessments, European best practice examples, and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The goal is to create practical models that support the responsible implementation of renewable energy in designated acceleration areas.