Equinor, an international energy group headquartered in Norway, and Polenergia, the largest Polish private energy group, have made final investment decisions (FID) regarding the Baltic Sea offshore wind farms Bałtyk 2 and 3, commencing their construction phase. As a result, as early as 2028, 100 modern turbines from the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms will supply renewable energy to Polish homes, schools, factories, and offices. The total value of the investment is approximately PLN 27 billion (excluding financing costs).
“The world belongs to the unruly, those who dare to leap into the unknown and build their wings along the way. I am filled with gratitude that the dream of my Father, mine, and many wonderful people who dare to dream is coming true. Thanks to the projects implemented by Polenergia and Equinor, Poland can and will be powered by clean energy generated in harmony with nature, respecting the resources of our planet and serving 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 on the path of Polenergia’s further dynamic development. The Baltic offshore wind farm project is a massive investment, but also a wonderful example of how, thanks to perseverance, commitment, and a strong Polish-Norwegian partnership, a bold vision from many years ago, when no one in Poland even thought about offshore wind energy, is finally taking real shape before our eyes,” says Dominika Kulczyk, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Polenergia S.A
“The Bałtyk 2 and 3 offshore wind farms we are building are among the largest infrastructure projects in the history of Poland. Their implementation will contribute to strengthening the country’s energy security and independence, as well as creating jobs in a new, promising sector, and green, renewable energy from the Baltic Sea will boost the competitiveness of the Polish economy. As the future operator of these wind farms, we proudly take this most important step, which will contribute to the creation of a strong wind energy hub in the Baltic Sea. In this role, we intend to bring tangible benefits to Poland for many years to come. The coming months and years will be a time of increased, close cooperation with our partners, including many Polish companies and institutions. Together, we will strive for the effective and safe achievement of further milestones in the construction of both farms,” says Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, President of the Management Board of Equinor in Poland.
The construction of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms will be financed in a project finance formula. More information will be provided after the financial close.
Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 are two twin offshore wind farms with a total power generation capacity of 1,440 MW. Both projects will consist of 100 state-of-the-art wind turbines, with an impressive height of 260 meters each, significantly taller than the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw. Just one rotation of such a turbine’s rotor will be able to provide clean renewable energy for a household for 4 days. In total, both farms will be able to power over 2 million Polish households, which will significantly support the national energy system and reduce the emissions of Polish energy. Both power plants will be built in the Polish exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea, approximately 37 km and 22 km from the shore. The completion and full commissioning of both wind farms is planned for 2028.
The Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 farms are one of the largest and most significant infrastructure projects in the history of Poland. In addition to 100 impressively sized wind turbines, two of the largest offshore substations (OSS) in Poland, with a capacity of 720 MW each, will be built. Additionally, two onshore substations (ONS) and an underground cable line with a total length of 14 km will be constructed. At the landfall site, where the offshore cables carrying electricity generated by the farms will come ashore, a horizontal directional drilling will be performed under the beach near Ustka. The work is being carried out using trenchless methods, in a manner safe for people and the environment. The wind farms will then be connected to the national power grid via the existing PSE Słupsk Wierzbięcino substation.
In Łeba, an operations and service base, implemented by Equinor, will be established to support the construction phase of both farms and serve as a marine operations center.
For the implementation of the Bałtyk 2 and 3 projects, Equinor and Polenergia have contracted several main contractors, including experienced Polish companies Tele-Fonika Kable and Enprom. Other domestic enterprises have also been involved in the construction, which allows for building local contribution and supporting the competitiveness of Polish industry.
Source: Equinor and Polenergia
