The year 2022 was full of events that are permanently changing the conditions for the offshore wind industry. We asked industry leaders and key policy-makers for their assessment of what has been achieved in the past year and what the forecasts are for 2023. In today’s interview of the „Baltic Sea Offshore Wind – 2022 Summary & 2023 Outlook” series, we present the opinion of Rytis Kėvelaitis, CEO of Energy Unlimited.
Lithuania:
2022 Summary
Most important offshore wind developments in 2022:
- April 2022: Offshore wind law adoption for 700MW central tender in Q4 2023
- December 2022: Spatial planning & SEA for offshore wind areas approval
- December 2022: The greenfield offshore wind development model law adoption (final voting on December 20th)
Main offshore wind achievements in 2022
- Regulatory: Approved bid award rules (price-based auction) & pre-qualification requirements
Grid: 1.4 GW for offshore wind capacity is reserved in the law on the 330 kV onshore substation in Darbėnai - Port: Klaipėda port investment agreement with Klasco terminal company to construct the offshore wind construction terminal until 2026
- Supply chain: Increasing Lithuanian maritime cluster and supply chain activities – workshops with international offshore wind developers, local events on supply chain development, cooperation with education institutions.
- Competition: Baltics attracting major offshore wind international companies
2023 Outlook
Important challenges for offshore wind development in 2023
- Smooth, transparent, and open tender process
- EIA & other assessment results for 700MW central tender
- Legal framework to be completed (tender rules, construction offshore codes)
In 2023 we will focus particular on…
- Tenders
- Further grid development plans
- Skills
Estonia:
2022 Summary
Most important offshore wind developments in 2022:
- May 2022: National maritime spatial plan adoption
- May 2022: Building code approval related to offshore wind permitting process
- November 2022: Decision on ELWIND location
Main offshore wind achievements in 2022
- Regulatory: Approved bid award rules (price-based auction) and identified areas for offshore development in maritime spatial plan
- Port: Port of Tallinn decision to invest in Paldiski South Harbour to construct the offshore wind construction terminal, co-financed by the European Commission
- Competition: Baltics attracting major offshore wind international companies
2023 Outlook
Important challenge for offshore wind development in 2023
- Smooth, transparent, and open tender process
- Upcoming parliament elections
In 2023 we will focus particular on…
- Tenders
- Further grid development plans
- Further streamlining of permitting process
- Skills
