Ocean Winds is a major global offshore wind energy company, created by a joint-venture between EDP Renewables and Engie. Even more impressive, they have ratified enough contracts to close on approximately €2 billion ($2.31 billion) in project financing. This financial milestone marks the completion of the financial closing for its inaugural offshore wind farm, BC-Wind, located in the Baltic Sea.
The BC-Wind project is located in the Polish exclusive economic zone. It lies approximately 23 km north of the Baltic coast at Krokowa and Choczewo, Pomeranian Voivodeship. The wind farm will house 26 turbines, each boasting a capacity of 14 megawatts (MW), with an innovative power boost feature that raises output to 15 MW. As a result, 11 new projects will increase the total capacity of BC-Wind to over 390 MW, ensuring huge contributions to the Polish energy landscape.
Anticipated Impact and Timeline
For example, the BC-Wind project is expected to provide its first power in 2028. This accomplishment will help deliver zero-emission energy to about 500,000 Polish homes. This initiative fits into Poland’s larger overall trend of moving away from coal and toward greener energy sources.
Onshore construction for the BC-Wind project will begin in 2026. It will require, in part, a fundamental transformation of our nation’s energy production and regional distribution capabilities. Polish company P&Q will design and build the onshore substation. They are the ones tasked with establishing the export cable route, arguably one of the most essential components to the success of the project.
Vision for Renewable Energy in Poland
We are immensely proud of this project’s potential to redefine and reinforce the commitments of Poland’s energy sector,” said Bautista Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Winds. He repeated that offshore wind energy is a key element of Poland’s energy transition. This growing sector offers a huge opportunity for creating the good, clean jobs that will revitalize our economy.
He further emphasized that Ocean Winds sees Poland as a potential regional leader in offshore wind production: “At Ocean Winds, we are convinced that Poland has the potential to become a regional leader in offshore wind – both in terms of clean energy production and industrial capability.” Rodriguez further underscored the importance of financial partners, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), in alignment with their strategic priorities.
Future Endeavors
Ocean Winds consortium awarded rights to develop a floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea. This is on top of their accomplishments and artistry on the BC-Wind project. This development is a marker of the firm’s commitment to expanding its footprint in renewable energy. It’s a big part of the world’s transition to cleaner, renewable energy.
The BC-Wind project will be run out of Polish domestic ports. By taking this approach, we can deepen local community engagement and create more widespread grassroots investment in new renewable energy infrastructure. The Polish government is making exciting plans for a greener future. Initiatives such as BC-Wind will be instrumental in laying the foundation for a renewable energy framework that will help energize this great country.