The project joint venture partners – the international Norwegian-based energy company Equinor and Polenergia, Poland's largest private energy group – have taken the final investment decisions for the Baltyk 2 and Baltyk 3 offshore wind farms, ahead of full-scale construction. The total investment of the project is approx. PLN 27 billion (excluding financing costs). In 2028 100 wind turbines from the Baltyk 2 and Baltyk 3 offshore wind farms will supply renewable electricity to Poland’s national power grid.
'The world belongs to the bold - who have the courage to leap into the unknown and build wings along the way. I am filled with gratitude that my Dad's dream is coming true, mine and those of many wonderful people who dare to dream. Poland can and will be, thanks to the projects developed by Polenergia and Equinor, powered by clean energy produced in harmony with nature, with respect for our planet's resources and in service of future generations.
'This is a very important, symbolic moment that seals years of planning and preparation and at the same time opens a completely new chapter in Polenergia's further dynamic development. The Baltyk offshore wind farm project is a huge investment, but also a prime example of how, thanks to perseverance, commitment and a strong Polish-Norwegian partnership, the bold idea from many years ago, when offshore energy was scarcely considered in Poland, is finally becoming reality before our eyes,' said Dominika Kulczyk, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, Polenergia.
The projects will be financed through a project finance structure. Further details will be released at financial close.
'Baltyk 2 and Baltyk 3 represent some of the largest infrastructure projects in Poland's history. Their execution will significantly enhance the country's energy security and independence while creating jobs in a developing sector. Furthermore, the renewable energy generated from our projects will bolster the competitiveness of the Polish economy.
'As the future operator of these wind farms, we are proud to take this pivotal step toward establishing a robust center for wind energy in the Baltic Sea. The coming months and years will be a period of intensified and close collaboration with our partners, at the core of which are numerous Polish companies and institutions. Together, we will strive for the safe and effective construction and operation of the Baltyk 2 and 3 wind farms,' said Michal Jerzy Kolodziejczyk, Country Manager of Equinor in Poland.
Baltyk 2 and Baltyk 3 are twin offshore wind farms with a combined capacity of 1,440 MW. These facilities will be equipped with 100 state-of-the-art wind turbines, each standing at an impressive height of 260 meters — surpassing the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw. A single rotation of one turbine rotor can generate enough renewable energy to power a Polish household for four days. The two wind farms are expected to generate energy for more than 2 million Polish households, thereby substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the national output and reducing the carbon footprint of Poland’s economy. The construction of both wind farms will take place within the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea, located approximately 37 km and 22 km off the coast.
The completion and full commissioning of the wind farms are scheduled for 2028.
The Baltyk 2 and Baltyk 3 offshore wind farms rank among the largest and most significant infrastructure projects in the history of Poland. Apart from 100 wind turbines they will also feature the largest Offshore Substations (OSSs) in Poland, each with a capacity of 720 MW as well as two onshore substations (ONSs) with an underground cable line, totaling 14 km in length. The landfall – the point of connection between the offshore and onshore components of the project – will involve horizontal drilling beneath the beach near Ustka. The work is carried out underground, using a method that is safe for people and for the environment. The wind farms will be connected to Poland’s national grid via the existing PSE Slupsk Wierzbiecino substation.
There will be as well an operations and maintenance base in Leba, developed by Equinor, which will support the construction phase of both farms and serve as the hub for marine operations.
Equinor and Polenergia have engaged more than a dozen major contractors, including the experienced Polish companies Tele-Fonika Kable and Enprom. Additional investment from Polish industry has been secured through separate contracts, which will make a significant contribution to the local content of the project and country’s economy.
The wind farms are engineered for a lifespan of 30 years and will operate under 25-year Contracts for Difference (CfD).
Source: Polenergia
