Poland’s state-controlled Orlen and its Canadian partner Northland Power have reached the final investment decision (FID) to build Baltic Power, Poland’s first offshore wind farm.
The project is set to boost Poland’s energy system through the addition of nearly 1.2 GW. The wind farm will be built some 23 km off the coast, near Łeba and Choczewo and when completed in 2026, it will be able to supply around 1.5m households with clean energy.
“We stand at a pivotal point, both for the Orlen Group and the broader energy sector in Poland. Our commitment has led us to embark on the most significant project to develop renewable energy in our country and the entire region. Notably, the Baltic Power offshore wind farm represents one of just two such projects in Europe to progress to the implementation phase over the past three years. Despite the formidable challenges posed by the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and military conflict across our eastern border, we have adhered to the ambitious timeline we set from the outset,” said Daniel Obajtek, Orlen’s CEO and president.
The Baltic Power farm will generate 4,000 GWh of electricity, equivalent to approximately 3% of Poland’s current electricity output, helping to avoid an estimated 2.8m tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The foundation laying is scheduled for 2024, with the farm expected to comprise 76 Vestas wind turbines with a unit capacity of 15 MW, standing at a height of over 250 m, by 2025. An onshore substation project is already underway, designed to evacuate the power generated at sea. Agreements are already in place with key contractors and the overall project budget is estimated at around €4.73bn ($5bn). The project has secured a €4.4bn loan which is the largest financing obtained for a single investment in Poland’s history.
In addition to the wind farm buildout, Orlen is embarking on the construction of Poland’s first offshore wind farm installation terminal. Situated at the Port of Świnoujście, the terminal is slated for completion in 2025 and capable of handling and installing 15 MW or larger wind turbines. Initially catering to the Baltic Power project, it will subsequently support the implementation of projects by other developers and facilitate the Orlen’s future ventures in the Baltic Sea. “Thanks to its location, the Świnoujście port will serve not only Polish projects but also ventures undertaken in German, Swedish, or Danish waters,” Orlen said.
Orlen has recently secured licences for the construction of an additional five offshore wind farms, set to collectively deliver 5.2 GW.
