The first foundations for the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm have now been installed in the Baltic Sea. The project has thus entered a crucial phase of offshore installation work. Baltica 2, being built jointly by PGE and Ørsted, is the largest offshore wind farm currently under construction in Poland.

The installation of the foundations is one of the key stages of the project and paves the way for further offshore work – including the assembly of turbines and the installation of transmission infrastructure. A total of 111 monopiles will be installed at sea – 107 for the turbines and 4 for the offshore substations. The work will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The installation involves transporting the monopiles from the port of Rønne, transferring them onto installation vessels, and precisely positioning them on the seabed. The operation involves, among others, the installation vessels Svanen and Aeolus, as well as a fleet of support vessels. Van Oord is responsible for carrying out the installation campaign.

The start of foundation installation at the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm marks another important step in the implementation of one of the key projects of Poland’s energy transition. Offshore wind energy is one of the pillars of building Poland’s energy security and sovereignty – it allows us to reduce our dependence on imported fuels and provides a stable, predictable source of clean energy for decades to come. The Baltic Sea is becoming a strategic asset for our economy. Investments such as Baltica 2 demonstrate that we are able to effectively combine the potential of domestic companies with the experience of global leaders, whilst creating a growth impetus for Polish industry, ports and the labour market – said Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Minister for Climate and the Environment.

Offshore wind energy will become one of the cornerstones of Poland’s energy transition and the building of our country’s energy security. The Baltica 2 offshore wind farm project aims not only to generate electricity from renewable sources, but also to involve domestic companies in the development of this new sector of the economy. The start of offshore works marks a landmark moment for this project. We are getting closer and closer to commissioning wind turbines that will supply clean energy to 2.5 million Polish households – said Miłosz Motyka, Minister of Energy.

The installation of the first foundations marks the moment when Baltica 2 enters a crucial phase of offshore construction. Offshore wind energy will play a significant role in building a secure and competitive energy system in Poland and Europe. I would like to thank the Polish government for supporting this project and our partner – PGE – for our joint efforts, which have brought us to this stage.

Baltica 2 is not only an investment in clean energy, but also a boost for industrial development and jobs in Poland for decades to come – said Rasmus Errboe, CEO of Ørsted.

The start of construction of the Baltica 2 wind farm in the Baltic Sea is a landmark moment not only for the PGE Group, but also for the entire Polish energy sector. It is also a clear signal to the market that PGE, as a leader, is taking responsibility for the country’s energy transition – we are commencing the implementation of the largest renewable energy project in Poland in terms of capacity, being built in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea. In just one year’s time, the first electricity will flow from these installations. Once construction is complete, the 1.5 GW farm will generate between 5 and 6 TWh of energy annually, which corresponds to the annual electricity demand of around 2.5 million households. Our investment strengthens Poland’s energy security, provides a stable source of zero-emission energy and at the same time reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports – said Dariusz Lubera, CEO of PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna.

Van Oord is proud to act as the contractor responsible for installing the foundations for the Baltica 2 project, making a significant contribution to Poland’s energy transition. We are using the installation vessel Aeolus and the specialist crane vessel Svanen to carry out the work. Thanks to our experienced crews and proven expertise in offshore projects, we ensure that work is carried out safely and on schedule in accordance with the highest standards. Installing foundations at sea is a complex process, dependent on weather conditions, which is why our priority is to carry out all operations with the utmost care for the safety of people and the Baltic Sea environment. This milestone is the result of close cooperation with Ørsted, PGE and partners throughout the supply chain, as well as the experience gained from five projects completed to date in collaboration with Ørsted. We are united by our ambition to further develop offshore wind energy as a stable and sustainable source of energy – said Govert van Oord, CEO of Van Oord.

Safety and environmental care

Installation work is being carried out in challenging marine conditions, involving numerous vessels and specialists. Every stage of the project is subject to rigorous safety and environmental standards.

During the installation of the foundations, measures such as bubble curtains to reduce underwater noise are being used, as well as monitoring for the presence of marine mammals. These solutions help to minimise the impact of the works on the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

Next stages of implementation

The start of foundation installation is part of the schedule of intensive offshore work planned for 2026. Once this stage is complete, the next step will be the installation of export cables, which will connect the farm to the national power grid via onshore connection infrastructure, as well as the installation of offshore substations. In the subsequent phases of the project, the installation of internal cables and the assembly of wind turbines will commence. In parallel, construction is underway on the onshore substation and the connection infrastructure in the municipality of Choczewo in Pomerania.

According to the schedule, the first electricity from the Baltica 2 farm will be generated in the first half of 2027, with full commercial operation planned for the end of 2027.

The Baltica 2 project

Baltica 2 is a 1.5 GW offshore wind farm being developed as a joint venture between Ørsted and PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna. In terms of generation capacity, it is one of the largest energy projects currently underway in Poland and one of the key offshore wind energy projects in the Baltic Sea. Once construction is complete, Baltica 2 will be able to supply energy to around 2.5 million households in Poland.

The offshore wind farm under construction is also one of the key investments strengthening Poland’s energy security. Its completion will increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. At the same time, the project is driving the development of the Polish economy – from ports and infrastructure to the domestic supply chain and new jobs. It is an investment that is truly laying the foundations for the Polish offshore sector for decades to come.

Baltica 2 is being built approximately 40 km off the coast near Ustka, and its commissioning is planned for 2027. The project has all the necessary permits and a 25-year contract for difference (CfD).

Source: Baltica 2