Ignitis Renewables is developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltics, which will be called Curonian Nord. This project is particularly important to the Lithuanian energy sector and is named in the honour of Curonians, a tribe that used to live on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The name is also associated with one of the most beautiful and unique locations in Lithuania and the region, the Curonian Spit.
“The development of offshore wind technologies is strategically important in the global pursuit of energy transition. In Lithuania these technologies have a huge potential. The Curonian Nord project will significantly contribute to the green future of the Lithuanian energy sector. It will also contribute to our purpose to create a 100% green and secure energy ecosystem for current and future generations,” said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.
According to him, a successful implementation of the offshore project off the coast of Lithuania is fundamental to the country’s energy independence. Thanks to this project, a significant increase in local renewable electricity generation will eliminate the dependence on electricity imports, promote the region’s transition to a sustainable green energy hub and contribute to the plans to turn the Baltic states into energy exporters to Central and Western Europe.
The project will boost the economy of the coastal region and the entire country and support the local communities
According to Anne-Marie Roikjær, Project Director, as pioneers in the Baltic states, we will create an offshore wind competence hub in the region. “The significant investments related to the project and new high-skilled jobs will promote the economy of the coastal region and the entire country,” says A. Roikjær.
According to her, Lithuania will probably see an influx of new companies which will supply goods and provide services for the project, which in turn will create even more jobs and open more possibilities for the businesses. The coastal region has everything you need to establish a renewable energy research hub, attract partners from universities and R&D institutes.
About Curonian Nord
It is estimated that the 700 megawatt (MW) Curonian Nord wind farm, located in the Baltic Sea, will generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would cover around a quarter of Lithuania’s current electricity demand.
The maritime area designated for the offshore wind farm is approximately 120 square kilometres. It is at least 37 km away from the shore and approximately 50 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. There will be up to 55 wind turbines with a maximum height of up to 350 metres. These parameters will depend on the findings of the studies, the environmental impact assessment, the adopted technologies and other conditions.
Based on the currently available information, the capacity and the location of the wind farm, its distance from the shore as well as the sea depth are all suitable for developing offshore capacities and correspond to the scopes and conditions of other offshore wind farm projects in Europe.
The project is led by Ignitis Renewables with partner Ocean Winds.
Source: Ignitis Renewables
