The US House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee examined threats to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, with Chairman Self warning that NATO’s credibility hinges on credible deterrence along the Baltic frontier.
More than 500 experts gathered in Tallinn for the 17th EUSBSR Annual Forum, focusing on resilience across regional security, Baltic Sea environment and economic competitiveness.
Latvia's FM Baiba Braže outlined four priorities for European security at the Lennart Meri Conference in Tallinn, calling for stronger NATO eastern flank defences and tighter sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet.
As part of the development of the Estonian Liivi Offshore Wind Farm project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES has conducted a site condition monitoring campaign in Liivi Bay, commissioned by Enefit. The Fraunhofer IWES Stage 3+ Wind Lidar Buoy, a Floating Lidar System, was installed together with co-deployed Oceanographic Sensors to collect [...]
The third day at the WindEurope Annual Event 2026 is all about offshore wind. Europe needs to move from crisis to confidence – with homegrown and secure renewable electricity. Three months after the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, governments and industry meet in Madrid to turn offshore wind commitments into action. The war in Iran [...]
The second list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union . It outlines 235 selected cross-border energy infrastructure projects that will strengthen energy connectivity across the continent, bringing nearer the completion of the Energy Union. Once in force, in 20 days time, it [...]
Good evening, let me start with the Middle East. The situation in the region is extremely serious. It is causing great instability, suffering, and growing risks far beyond the region itself. This is why we need de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. And I want to say a word about [...]
The European Commission today published its Industrial Accelerator Act. It aims to strengthen Europe’s economic competitiveness and to boost its clean tech manufacturing capacity. A simple and harmonised implementation of these new rules will be critical to its success. The last days have shown, yet again, how vulnerable Europe’s energy system is to geopolitical shocks. Natural gas [...]
Haskoning and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia have signed a contract. Haskoning will carry out the design phase for the ELWIND offshore wind project, spanning over the next three years. Advancing offshore wind development with integrated support ELWIND is the joint Estonian and Latvian state-run offshore wind project aiming to increase the region’s [...]
ELWIND has signed a contract with 3BIRD OÜ to carry out a comprehensive marine mammal study in the development areas of the Estonia–Latvia offshore wind project. The aim of the study is to gather the best possible baseline information on grey seals, ringed seals and, where applicable, harbour porpoises prior to the construction of the wind farm, enabling [...]
ELWIND has signed a contract with Haskoning Nederland B.V. for conducting the study, as well as for developing the initial technical design (Pre‑FEED), the conceptual design, and the technical design for the ELWIND offshore wind farms in Estonia and Latvia. The aim of the study in the Pre-FEED phase is to develop a general technical concept that [...]
On 4 February, representatives of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia met with Kaspars Melnis, Minister for Climate and Energy. The meeting brought together Nina Hvid Enevoldsen, Director of the Office, and Gints Janums, Energy and Sustainability Advisor, alongside representatives of both institutions. The courtesy meeting highlighted 35 years of Nordic-Baltic cooperation and [...]
On 3 February 2026, the US Congress took an important decision for European and Baltic security by approving USD 200 million funding for the continuation of the Baltic Security Initiative in 2026, aimed at reinforcing the defence capabilities of the Baltic states and deepening defence cooperation with the United States. The Baltic Security Initiative allows the Baltic states to [...]
Submarine data cables, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are essential for modern life and the European economy. As the EU faces increasing risks to this critical infrastructure, the European Commission is intensifying efforts to enhance its security and resilience. It was introduced a new Cable Security Toolbox of risk mitigating measures and a list [...]
Across Europe, consumers are optimistic towards the energy transition yet almost everyone wishes for stronger governmental support. Many value a climate-friendly lifestyle but there is a gap between countries. Also, every second consumer would be willing to pay more for fossil-free electricity. All according to the latest results in Vattenfall’s Energy Barometer. On behalf of [...]
Submarine data cables, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are essential for modern life and the European economy. As the EU faces increasing risks to this critical infrastructure, the European Commission is intensifying efforts to enhance its security and resilience. Yesterday, it introduced a new Cable Security Toolbox of risk mitigating measures and a list [...]
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation ('FSR'), the activities of Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ('Goldwind') in the production and sale of wind turbines and the provision of related services within the EU. The Commission has preliminary concerns that Goldwind may have been granted foreign [...]
In 2025, ENTSO-E delivered a comprehensive set of legally mandated activities that reinforces its role in supporting the secure and efficient operation of Europe’s power system. In total, 96.3% of projected deliveries under the AWP 2025 were successfully completed. Key achievements of 2025 include the publication of the Bidding Zone Review report, the publication of ERAA 2025, [...]
Estonian Government approved the National Development Plan of the Energy Sector until 2035 (ENMAK 2035), drafted by the Ministry of Climate. The plan sets the goals of ensuring energy security, increasing national competitiveness, and facilitating the transition to a clean energy economy. Preparation for the plan began in 2021. The final document provides an overview [...]
At Estonian Defence Week, one of the most thought-provoking sessions was the panel on Cross-Border Innovation Cooperation, featuring insights from Jaan Kokk (Superangel), Kati Pärn (Startup Estonia), and Mika Rantakokko (VTT Finland). The discussion highlighted the urgent need for regional collaboration in defence innovation and the unique strengths that Estonia and Finland bring to the [...]
As Europe’s energy landscape evolves new strategic hotspots for resilience and growth are emerging, notably the Baltic Sea. The countries of the Baltic Sea region and Central and Eastern Europe have built their energy policies around security of supply for many years. Baltic Sea countries are also well-established and fast-growing markets for new energy developments, [...]
To assess the potential impact of the offshore wind park on bats, in March of 2025 the joint Estonian – Latvian project ELWIND signed an agreement with the Polish company “3Bird”, which has extensive experience and studied the impact of offshore wind parks on these protected animals in other similar projects. The study was conducted [...]
Europe’s wind industry is preparing for one of its flagship gatherings as more than 16,000 participants and 500 exhibitors head to IFEMA Madrid for WindEurope’s Annual Event 2026, taking place from 21 to 23 April 2026. This year’s edition brings together the full wind value chain at a pivotal moment for Europe’s energy transition. Attendees [...]
WindEurope has officially launched the Call for University Proposals for its 2026 Annual Event, taking place on 21–23 April 2026 in Madrid. The organisation invites universities across the EEA, Switzerland and the UK to submit applications for student participation in one of Europe’s most important wind energy gatherings. The 2026 edition introduces a significant thematic [...]
The Baltic countries’ synchronisation with continental Europe won the prestigious Project of the Year award at the Project Management Institute (PMI) awards ceremony held in Phoenix, Arizona. One of the largest and most widely renowned associations of project management professionals recognized the successful implementation of this complex project ahead of schedule. “This global recognition once [...]
The synchronization of the Baltic states with continental Europe won the global "Project of the Year" award. The Project Management Institute (PMI), one of the world's largest and best-known project management organizations, recognized the complex and accelerated implementation of the synchronization project at an award ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. The synchronization of the Baltic states [...]
The backbone of European energy system, the grids infrastructure, will be modernised and expanded to unleash its full potential. The Commission's European Grids Package and the Energy Highways initiative, proposed today, will enable energy to flow efficiently across all Member States, integrating cheaper clean energy and accelerating electrification. This will help lower energy prices and support affordable living for all Europeans. It will ensure secure [...]
On December 1, 2025, Elering submitted an application to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications to initiate a special national plan with the aim of determining the possible construction conditions for the Nordic–Baltic Hydrogen Corridor (NBHC) The planning process will clarify whether and under what conditions it would be feasible to build a hydrogen [...]
Green Hysland’s Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) has officially kicked off with a meeting that gathered the four participating islands and the Green Hysland TAP team. The programme was created to support islands interested in developing green hydrogen projects. by offering free technical support that is tailored to address their specific needs and contexts. Through a collaborative process, the TAP will result in a pre-feasibility assessment to guide the next steps of their project. By providing this expert mentorship and guidance for green [...]
The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2025 confirms that electricity is quickly becoming the backbone of the global energy system. Electricity demand is soaring. Renewables are continuing to rise globally. But Governments are too slow in delivering the infrastructure needed to electrify industry, mobility and heating. And they need to address new supply chain [...]
The European Union will effectively and permanently stop the import of Russian gas and move towards the phaseout of Russian oil under the provisional political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council today. This historic decision will end the EU's dependence on an unreliable supplier, which has repeatedly destabilised European energy markets, put at [...]
Renewables are the cheapest form of power generation. But this doesn’t tell the full story. What about the costs of grids, storage, and back-up? WindEurope’s latest study done in cooperation with Hitachi Energy shows that even when accounting for the grids, storage and back-up, a system running on high shares of renewables is the cheapest, [...]
The study aims to gather critical baseline data on the status of key marine species—grey seals, ringed seals, and potentially harbour porpoises—prior to any development activities in and around the designated ELWIND offshore sites in Estonia and Latvia. The study is done for both Estonian and Latvian areas together and it includes: Assessing the abunance [...]
Euro-Atlantic security will be significantly strengthened in the High North and Baltic Sea as the UK and allies from across the region ramp up their military cooperation and agree an enhanced partnership with Ukraine. Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) defence ministers meet with Ukrainian counterpart as they launch new enhanced Ukraine-JEF partnership. JEF meeting in Bodø [...]
Europe needs more offshore wind to deliver its energy goals. Governments and society want it. And heavy industry want it to help them decarbonise. But as things stand the necessary expansion of offshore wind is not happening. The business case for new offshore wind farms is not where it was and where it should be. [...]
EIB Group unveils first consolidated Sustainability Report, aligning with EU standards and streamlining key disclosures. EIB Group committed a record €51 billion for climate action and environmental sustainability in 2024, driving the green transition in Europe and beyond. The average greenhouse gas emissions intensity for electricity generation projects in the EIB Group’s portfolio fell by [...]
OXAN Energy, together with partners Ocean Connect Energy and SNOW, has unveiled the new identity of their jointly developed offshore wind project, located 60 km off the Estonian coast. Formerly known as SAARE 1, the project will now be called Avara, a name derived from the Estonian word avar, meaning “open, vast, and spacious.” The new name reflects the project’s forward-looking vision [...]
Europe must act now to secure its place as the safest and most attractive industry and energy investment hub - strengthening its energy security and independence. Investors do not need new promises, they need certainty. This means full speedy implementation of existing EU rules – especially the new excellent EU permitting framework - rather than [...]
New global progress report flags bottlenecks in investment, grids and supply chains, urging governments for bolder renewable targets before COP30. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / Brasília, Brazil, October 14, 2025 – The world is falling behind on its renewable energy and efficiency goals despite record progress last year, confirms a new report released today by [...]
Since early September, our survey vessel Karina has been investigating the seabed in the ELWIND offshore wind farm areas in Estonia and Latvia. This part of the Baltic Sea is a new region for G-TEC, making this two-month project especially exciting. The scope of the project is to Understand seabed and subsurface conditions with precision [...]
EIB Board adopts second phase of pioneering Climate Bank Roadmap, focusing on competitiveness, security and lower energy prices for companies and families. Plan includes doubling of investment for climate change adaptation, along with radically simplified procedures. Decision consolidates EIB Group’s role as the Climate Bank and reaffirms commitment to staying the course as anchor financier [...]
ELWIND has signed a contract with Haskoning Nederland B.V. to carry out a study on determination and assessment of possible grid connection points, cable routes, as well as network configuration for Estonian-Latvian offshore wind park project ELWIND. The Grid Study will be conducted by Haskoning for the ELWIND offshore wind park areas in Latvia and [...]
The ELWIND offshore wind project has published a procurement for independent expert services to provide technical assurance and quality control for upcoming site investigations. The procurement includes five roles: · Technical Expert for overall technical support · Technical Expert for the metocean in-situ measurement campaign · Technical Expert for the geophysical survey · Technical Expert [...]
The European Commission has announced its decision to award €76.3 million to three cross-border renewable energy projects under the CEF Energy instrument. Two of these projects directly concern the development of wind energy and show that wind remains one of the pillars of the energy transition in the EU. The largest grant will go to [...]
In her 2025 State of the Union address EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the new geopolitical reality in which economic competition and national security are intertwined. She stressed the need for Europe to massively invest in digital and clean technologies to ensure the future continues to be made in Europe. In her [...]
ELWIND has signed a contract with the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” to carry out a study assessing the impact of the Latvian area of the offshore wind park ELWIND on fish and fisheries. Study on the environmental impact on fish and fisheries of the Latvian offshore wind park will be [...]
WindEurope released the latest wind energy data today. It shows Europe built 6.8 GW of new wind in the first half of 2025. That’s less than expected and not nearly enough to deliver the EU’s 2030 energy security and climate targets. Except for Germany, most countries in Europe are not doing enough to build more [...]
The Geophysical Survey of the ELWIND offshore wind farm areas, carried out by G-TEC, is scheduled to begin in September and will last for up to two months. This will be a comprehensive seabed survey designed to support the preliminary design of future offshore wind farms in the project area. The main objectives of the [...]
Enefit Green has agreed with Sumitomo Corporation to terminate their partnership in the development of Liivi Bay offshore wind farm project. The decision follows thorough joint discussions on the offshore wind outlook in Estonia and assessment of the current market and regulatory conditions. Throughout the partnership, the companies have had professional working relationships, valuing each [...]
The objective of Pre-FEED is to prepare an overall technical concept that defines the full scope of the planned ELWIND offshore wind farm and to define the next steps; meanwhile the objective of FEED is to wrap up the results from the complete grid connection feasibility, EIA, site data studies and Pre-FEED, taking all the [...]
Europe aims to increase its offshore wind capacity from 36.6 GW today to 84 GW by 2030. The maritime supply chain—particularly shipbuilding and port infrastructure—plays a critical role in supporting Europe’s energy security. But one of the most pressing challenges today is the lack of timely investment in vessel manufacturing and port infrastructure. Today Europe [...]
Renewables, natural gas and nuclear are set to meet the additional demand as the world’s use of electricity rises for industry, appliances, air conditioning, data centres, EVs and more. Global electricity demand is expected to expand at one of the fastest sustained paces in over a decade despite ongoing economic pressures, according to a new [...]
European citizens and businesses want affordable, secure, and clean energy. Homegrown wind energy helps boost Europe’s competitiveness, security and prosperity while delivering on decarbonisation. But insufficient grid build-out is hindering the deployment of wind energy. It leads to grid access restrictions, congestion and curtailment. Electricity demand in Europe is expected to rise by 60% by [...]
The Estonian Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (CPTRA) has officially halted the licensing proceedings for the Saare 7 offshore wind farm, located west of Saaremaa island in the Baltic Sea. The decision, issued following an auction held between June 10-12, 2025, comes after both competing applicants, Estonian companies Sunly Wind OÜ and Utilitas Wind [...]
The 27 Member States endorse plan to increase new financing to record of up to €100 billion in 2025. Revised ceiling includes 3.5% of total financing for European security and defence. EIB Board also approves landmark project for construction of military base in Lithuania. EIB Group shareholders launch largest EU programme to fund Europe’s technological [...]
In the margins of Transport, Telecommunication and Energy Council, the European Commission and the Polish Presidency of the Council have launched the Energy Union Task Force. Comprising high-level representatives from the European Commission and Member States, the Task Force is aimed at fostering better cooperation and coordination on key energy policy issues. Outlined in the Action [...]
Estonia's Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (CPTRA) has officially initiated superficies licence proceedings and an environmental impact assessment for the Saare 1 offshore wind farm, marking a significant step forward for the nation's renewable energy goals. This development follows French company Oxan Energy's successful bid in the Saare 1 sea area auction held in [...]
In response to growing geopolitical threats and the importance of energy security for regional stability, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the Protection and Resilience of Energy Infrastructure, with particular emphasis on subsea infrastructure, on June 16, 2025. KEY INFORMATION Purpose of the memorandum: to strengthen cooperation in the protection [...]
It is with great satisfaction that I share my reflections after the first meeting of the Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Summit Program Council, which I had the honor of co-organizing with the Royal Danish Embassy in Warsaw. This event brought together representatives of key stakeholders from across the Baltic Sea region, with the main goal [...]
By Delia Villagrasa, director the Cool Heating Coalition, EUSEW’s partner organisation and Beatriz Yordi, Director, Carbon Markets and Clean Mobility, DG CLIMA, European Commission, explain how the Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) raises funds for Member States to invest in modernising their energy systems, offering a lifeline to millions of European citizens struggling to pay [...]
Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Donald Tusk, Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk, together with President of the Board of ARP S.A. Wojciech Balczun, President of the Board of GRI Renewables Industries, S.L., Antonio Barbosa and representatives of the Board of Baltic Towers Sp. z o.o. Jakub Wnuczyński, Hubert Staszewski and Bruno [...]
ELWIND project has signed a contract with 3BIRD OÜ to conduct a survey of birds in Estonian area and with Workboats Consulting OÜ to conduct a survey of birds in Latvian area. The study consists of three separate surveys: A baseline survey of birds – to collect data on the birds of the area. A [...]
The Baltic Sea Map with the projects under consideration, in planning, under construction and existing in the Baltic Sea. Expert-paper presented at the Conference of Energy Ministers in Warsaw Potential of 93 GW Offshore Capacity in the Baltic Sea Basins Questions of safety and protection of maritime infrastructure play a vital role 13 May 2025 [...]
In the margins of the informal meeting of EU energy ministers in Warsaw, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen and energy ministers of the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan(BEMIP) High-Level Group have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The parties pledged to work closely together in investing in and completing infrastructure projects and [...]
Baltic energy regulators have requested a three-month extension from the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) to decide on a proposed long-term capacity calculation methodology for electricity trading. Originally due by 22 March 2025, the decision concerns a proposal submitted by transmission system operators in January. Regulators from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, [...]
The European Commission has awarded €52 million in funding to nine renewable energy projects in Finland and Estonia under the EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (RENEWFM), with a strong emphasis on expanding wind energy capacity in Estonia. The funding nearly matches the total call budget of €52.4 million and is aimed at supporting the EU’s [...]
The report deals with the geological background and seismicity of a potential wind farm area, a 7-shaped polygon framed offshore western Saaremaa, some 10–40 km off the Sõrve peninsula. No particular geological/geophysical research was carried out for this report. All the descriptions and conclusions about the geological background presented rely on interpretations of two former [...]
Litgrid, Augstsprieguma tīkls and Elering, the electricity transmission system operators of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, have launched new reserve services in the Baltic balancing capacity market following the accession of all three countries to the European balancing energy exchange platform PICASSO. “With all Baltic electricity transmission system operators having joined the PICASSO platform, cross-border exchanges [...]
Estonian energy producer Sunly and French renewable pioneer VALOREM Groupenters Deep Wind Offshore’s offshore wind project Tuul Energy for joint development in Estonia. Sunly, Deep Wind Offshore, and VALOREM Group has signed a partnership agreement to develop offshore wind in Estonia. Following the agreement, VALOREM Group and Sunly will enter Deep Wind Offshores project, which [...]
Estonian energy producer Sunly and French renewable pioneer VALOREM Group enters Deep Wind Offshore’s offshore wind project Tuul Energy for joint development in Estonia. Following the agreement, VALOREM Group and Sunly will enter Deep Wind Offshores project, which includes an area of 250 km2 off Saaremaa Island under exclusive development. This collaboration on the Tuul [...]
Based on the latest data published by the European Commission, EU electricity and gas markets demonstrated strong resilience and stability in the fourth quarter of 2024. Despite a seasonal increase in gas demand, energy supply remained secure, market integration continued, and the share of renewables increased, all while keeping prices in check. The year 2024 [...]
A public procurement has been launched for a metocean in-situ measurement campaign for the Estonian-Latvian ELWIND offshore wind farm project. A single provider will be selected to conduct measurements at both planned offshore wind park sites—one in Estonia and one in Latvia. The campaign aims to gather accurate meteorological and oceanographic data, which will be [...]
Germany, Poland and the Baltic States have suffered big economic damage from rising fossil fuel prices. They are now rushing to reduce their dependence on fossil imports. They see wind as the key solution here. Thanks to recent policy changes, they are now starting to add large wind capacities, making their economies more energy independent [...]
In 2024, 46.9% of net electricity generated in the EU came from renewable energy sources. Among EU countries, Denmark had the highest share of renewables in its net electricity generation with 88.4%, coming mostly from wind, followed by Portugal (87.5%, mostly wind and hydro) and Croatia (73.7%, mostly hydro). The lowest shares of renewables were [...]
In a ceremony symbolizing a watershed moment in European energy security, the Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Summit 2025 was inaugurated with the presentation of the first-ever "Baltic Wind Award." The award honors the historic integration of the Baltic States into the European electricity grid, severing long-standing ties with the Russian and Belarusian grids. Lithuania, Latvia, [...]
Stable electricity supplies at an affordable price, full independence of the Baltic Sea region from Russian supplies, and clean air through joint projects to develop new technologies, including hydrogen - these are the potential benefits of cooperation between the Baltic countries. ORLEN Group and S&P Agency have prepared a report summarising the status of the [...]
The Finnish wind energy service provider Arenso Oy and a leading Estonia-based renewable energy developer and producer Utilitas Wind have signed an agreement for co-operation in the Saare-Liivi Offshore Wind Park project. Arenso was assigned to prepare Basic Design for the project. The work was launched in February and will be completed by the end [...]
ENTSO-E’s draft TYNDP shows the strategic electricity infrastructure investments that ensure that Europe’s energy system can meet the EU’s and Member States energy and climate targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050 while providing a positive impact on system costs. In line with the TEN-E Regulation, the new TYNDP outlines the further investments in the European [...]
Joint Research Centre of the European Commission released new report „The Onshore Wind Potential of the EU and Neighbouring Countries”. The report reveals that the continent has far greater capacity for wind energy than previously estimated. The ENSPRESO 2 dataset, developed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), indicates that the installable capacity and annual electricity [...]
The European energy sector is undergoing a historic transformation, with offshore wind power emerging as a dominant force in the transition toward renewable energy. Latest data presented by Ignitis highlights a pivotal shift: future offshore wind energy projects in Europe are set to have twice the capacity of onshore projects, signaling a strong commitment to [...]
The main objective of the study is to obtain the fullest possible information on the baseline environmental status of seals and other sea mammals (grey seal, ringed seal, possibly harbor porpoise if presence recorded) prior to any development activities in and around the ELWIND offshore wind park sites and the future temporal and spatial effects [...]
The joint HELCOM-VASAB (Vision & Strategies Around the BlaticSea) Maritime Spatial Planning Working Group (HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG) is about to proceed to the interim assessment of the progress in implementing the Regional Maritime Spatial Planning Roadmap 2021-2030. In this context, a dedicated Task Force prepared a survey which aims to support this process. This survey targets [...]
The Baltic States have successfully synchronized their electricity systems with the Continental European Synchronous Area. This is a historic and practically significant event for the Baltic States and Europe, enhancing the region’s energy independence and resilience. All electricity connections with Russia and Belarus have been permanently disconnected. “The fact that all three Baltic States are [...]
As of February 9th 2025, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are fully independent from Russia's and Belarus's electricity systems. They successfully integrated into the EU internal energy market by joining the European continental network via Poland. This allows the Baltic States to operate their own energy systems under common and transparent European rules. The synchronisation of the Baltics not [...]
On the 24th of January, the Baltic Energy Ministers and the Polish State Secretary met in Riga to discuss the final steps related to the preparation for the joint synchronisation of the Baltic States. At the meeting, Ministers confirmed their commitment to infrastructure and resilience measures by signing a joint letter to the European Commission, [...]
Oxan Energy, French-based offshore wind developer, won the first Estonian floating offshore wind tender. Together with its partner SNOW, Oxan Energy will develop the ‘Saare 1’ project which has a potential capacity of 900 MW. The Estonian authorities have tendered the zone of Saare 1, located 60 km off the coast of the largest Estonian [...]
Enefit Green and AFRY signed a contract to deliver the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for the 1GW Liivi Bay offshore wind farm in Estonia. Johann-Gustav Lend, Head of Offshore Wind Energy at Enefit Green, noted that company is pleased to strengthen its collaboration with AFRY as Enefit Green advances the development of the Liivi [...]
The Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (CPTRA) has announced plans to initiate the superficies license procedure for an offshore wind farm in the Saare 7 area. Located approximately 11 kilometers west of Saaremaa, this site has been identified as suitable for wind energy development under Estonia’s maritime spatial plan. Details of the Proposed Project [...]
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte co-hosted a Summit of Baltic Sea Allies on Tuesday (14 January 2025), along with President Alexander Stubb of Finland and Prime Minister Kristen Michal of Estonia. At the meeting in Helsinki, Mr Rutte announced the launch of a new military activity by NATO to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure. [...]
Responding to urgent needs of the region, the European Commission has appointed expert Catharina Sikow-Magny as European Coordinator for the Baltic Synchronisation projects of common interest – the project to fully integrate Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania into the continental EU electricity network. These 3 countries remain the last EU countries synchronised with networks of [...]
European Commission and the High Representative released joint statement on the Investigation into Damaged Electricity and Data Cables in the Baltic Sea. Incident involving undersea cables in the Baltic Sea of December 25th is the latest in a series of suspected attacks on critical infrastructure. We commend the Finnish authorities for their swift action in [...]
During the Christmas holidays, the EstLink 2 cable linking Finland and Estonia was damaged, restricting the ability to import cheaper energy from the Nordic countries to the Baltic region. As a result, electricity prices in the Baltic countries, including Lithuania, recorded an increase, although the Christmas period helped to mitigate the effect somewhat. According to [...]
Lithuania's Ministry of Energy has assured the public that the disruption of the "EstLink 2" power cable between Estonia and Finland has no impact on the stability of the Lithuanian electricity system. Electricity supply to consumers is fully secured, and there are no significant effects on electricity prices. Energy officials from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and [...]
The decarbonisation agenda is a pressing priority for governments worldwide, and the Baltic Sea region is emerging as a critical area for renewable energy development, particularly offshore wind. In April 2024, eight countries bordering the Baltic Sea – Lithuania, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Poland, and Sweden – signed the Vilnius Declaration, pledging to collaborate [...]
The Liivi Bay offshore wind farm, developed by Enefit Green, has undergone an environmental impact assessment. The expert group identified that, with the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the farm has no significant negative impacts on the natural and human environment and promotes labor market activity and increases municipal revenues. The expert group from Skepast [...]
The European Commission has approved a €2.6 billion Estonian scheme to support renewable offshore wind energy to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (‘TCTF') adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023 and on 2 [...]
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) program describes the entire environmental impact assessment process, such as the scope and methodology of environmental studies to be conducted in the Estonian marine area, community involvement, etc. Proposals, objections, and questions regarding the program were submitted during the public display period and at public discussions by neighboring countries, state [...]
The Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (CPTRA) announced an auction for the development of an offshore wind farm in the Saare 1 area west of Saaremaa. The auction will take place between 21 January 2025 at 12:00 and 23 January 2025 at 12:00, Estonian time (UTC+2). Three companies who submitted a competing application for [...]
A recent report by Aegir Insights, a technology-driven intelligence company serving the offshore wind sector, sheds light on the significant offshore wind potential in the Baltic Sea region, but also underscores a series of challenges that could slow its development. While Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania possess some of Europe’s most favorable conditions for fixed-bottom offshore [...]
How are renewable energy projects implemented in other countries, and how do municipalities collaborate with local communities? What can we learn, and what practical ideas can we adopt when implementing the joint Latvian-Estonian offshore wind energy project ELWIND? In cooperation with the Danish Embassy in Latvia, a trip was organized for municipal representatives and opinion [...]