Baltic Power Wind Farm Construction Begins
Offshore construction has officially commenced for the Baltic Power wind farm, a significant joint venture between PKN Orlen and Northland Power. The project aims to generate up to 1.2 GW of renewable energy. The first two of 78 monopiles have been successfully installed approximately 23 kilometers off the Polish Baltic Sea coastline. This milestone marks a crucial step in the development of Poland’s first offshore wind farm.
Key Developments in Offshore Construction
Preparatory and trial operations for the Baltic Power project began in January, involving several specialized vessels. Notably, Van Oord’s heavy-lift ship, the *Svanen*, has been instrumental in the installation of the monopiles. On February 6, Baltic Power announced the successful installation of the first two monopiles, a significant achievement celebrated by the project team. Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO of ORLEN, emphasized the importance of this milestone, highlighting the extensive preparation and collaboration among nearly 200 individuals from various sectors, including local administrations and suppliers.
The monopiles, which are up to 100 meters long and weigh as much as 1,700 tonnes, are designed to support the wind turbines that will be installed later. The transition pieces (TPs) will be supplied by Belgium-based Smulders, while the installation of the Vestas 15 MW wind turbines will be carried out by Cadeler, following a contract signed in 2023. The *Svanen* underwent significant upgrades last year, enhancing its lifting capacity to 4,500 tonnes and its height to 125 meters, making it capable of handling the installation of large wind turbines.
With a scheduled completion date set for 2026, the Baltic Power wind farm is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing offshore wind energy in Poland. Christine Healy, President & CEO of Northland Power Inc., expressed pride in the partnership with ORLEN and excitement about contributing to this pioneering project. The successful installation of the first foundations marks a transformative moment for the future of renewable energy in the region.
