The decision was issued by the Regional Director for Environmental Protection (RDOS) in Gdansk. This marks a milestone in the further development of what could be the largest offshore wind farm in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea. Baltyk 1, a project developed jointly by Equinor and Polenergia is being prepared for Poland’s 2025 offshore auction. To uphold industry activity and leverage the full potential of offshore wind energy for Poland, both companies emphasize the critical importance of holding the auction this year and to engage domestic companies in the execution of offshore wind projects.
Adam Purwin, CEO of Polenergia, said: 'This is an extremely important moment for the Baltyk 1 project, bringing us closer to participating in the auction of the second phase of offshore development. Holding it in 2025 will ensure continuity between the first and second phases of offshore wind development, avoiding unnecessary delays and maximizing the energy potential of the Polish sea. Equally important, it will enable a smooth integration of Polish companies into the construction process and boost local content. As the largest offshore wind farm currently under development in Poland, Baltyk 1 plays a vital role in achieving this goal'
The Baltyk offshore wind farm projects – Baltyk 2&3 and 1, offer a significant opportunity for Polish companies to enter the global offshore sector supply chain. Equinor and Polenergia have organized a series of supplier meetings, attracting participation from over 300 domestic enterprises. Numerous Polish companies have already been contracted to, including several as tier-1 suppliers. Supply chain analysis for Baltyk 1 has also commenced, aimed at identifying collaboration opportunities for interested firms. Initial contractor meetings are set to take place soon.
'The environmental decision for the Baltyk 1 project - the most advanced initiative in the second phase of offshore wind development in Poland - is a significant milestone. Baltyk 1 has already obtained a permit for the installation and maintenance of offshore cables, as well as a grid connection agreement with the transmission system operator. The environmental permit enables the project to move forward and participate in the 2025 auction', said Michal Jerzy Kolodziejczyk, Country Manager of Equinor Polska.
The Baltyk 1 wind farm, has a planned capacity of up to 1,560 MW, would be located 81 kilometers offshore. Electricity generated by the farm would be transmitted to a connection point at the Krzemienica substation, which is being developed by the Polish Transmission System Operator (PSE). The onshore connection infrastructure would be located in the municipalities of Ustka and Redzikowo, in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
The environmental decision process for the Baltyk 1 project was preceded by comprehensive and detailed studies and analyses aimed at gathering data for the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. This report included various analyses and simulations, such as modeling the spread of underwater noise during monopile foundation installation and estimating bird collision risks with wind turbines during operation. The report concluded that the proposed technical and organizational solutions would effectively mitigate the environmental impact of the Baltyk 1 project.
Polenergia and Equinor are jointly developing three offshore wind projects—Baltyk 1, Baltyk 2, and Baltyk 3—with a combined capacity of up to 3,000 MW, sufficient to power 4 million households with clean energy. First power from the Baltyk 2 and Baltyk 3 projects is expected to flow in 2027. These two farms will have a combined capacity of 1,440 MW.
Source: Polenergia
