Equinor and Polenergia have recently now secured a crucial environmental permit for the Bałtyk 1 offshore wind farm project. This accomplishment represents a key turning point toward a greener renewable energy future in Poland. The purpose of this project is to reach a developed capacity of no greater than 1.56 gigawatts (GW). It will be sited 81 kilometers (50 miles) offshore in the Baltic Sea. This permit strengthens Bałtyk 1’s right to proceed with its intentions. It is now qualified to take part in the offshore wind farm auction planned for 2025.
The environmental decision not only facilitates the project’s advancement but aligns with Poland’s goals for expanding its offshore wind capabilities. The Bałtyk 1 wind farm is now prepared to collaborate with the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects. All together, they have a combined potential capacity of up to 3 GW. That much combined capacity would produce enough clean energy to power nearly four million homes.
Bałtyk 1 has now obtained all required permits for the installation and maintenance of offshore cables. Moreover, it has signed a grid connection agreement with the transmission system operator. Electricity generated from the wind farm will be fed into the Krzemienica substation. The NDI project will create onshore infrastructure in the two municipalities of Ustka and Redzikowo. This exciting new development will be happening under the auspices of the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
The advancement achieved by Bałtyk 1 is key to Poland’s commitment to building a robust offshore wind farm industry. Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 are expected to be operational by 2027, with the first power coming from them. Given the initiative’s importance in continuing advancement in offshore wind development and realizing the full energy potential of the Polish sea, this initiative is critical.
“This is an extremely important moment for the Bałtyk 1 project, bringing us closer to participating in the auction of the second phase of offshore development,” stated Adam Purwin, CEO of Polenergia. He further stated that conducting the first auction in 2025 would prevent putting off critical national infrastructure investment.
Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, Equinor Polska’s country manager, said the environmental decision was a milestone. “The environmental decision for the Bałtyk 1 project – the most advanced initiative in the second phase of offshore wind development in Poland – is a significant milestone.”