Poland’s Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) has confirmed that Equinor and Polenergia’s Baltyk II and Baltyk III projects have been awarded contracts for difference under the first phase of the country’s offshore wind development plan
The projects, with a combined potential capacity of 1.44 GW, are among the first to secure offshore wind awards in Poland. In April, the ERO also awarded contracts for difference (CfD) for offshore wind capacity to two industry teams led by Ørsted and PGE, and RWE, respectively.
Pending all necessary agreements and permits, and subject to the final investment decision from Equinor and Polenergia, construction work could commence as early as 2024.
The CfDs were awarded at PLN319.60 (approximately $US84 per MWh at current exchange rates) for up to 25 years, subject to adjustment and final approval from the Polish authorities and the European Commission.
Equinor executive vice president new energy solutions Pål Eitrheim said, “The CfD awards to the Baltyk II and Baltyk III projects are a breakthrough for Equinor in Poland. Full-scale development of the projects will create an offshore wind hub in the Baltic that will lead to industrial activity and jobs.
In 2018, Equinor became one of the first international developers to enter the Polish offshore wind market through the acquisition of a 50% interest in the Baltyk II and Baltyk III projects from Polenergia. Equinor subsequently also acquired from Polenergia a 50% interest in the early-phase Baltyk I offshore wind project.
Equinor will operate the projects through the development, construction and operations phases. They are located in the southwestern part of the Baltic, within Poland’s exclusive economic zone. The projects cover a combined area of approximately 240 km2, between 22 km and 37 km from the Polish coast. The water depths range from 25 m to 40 m.
Poland plans to develop 5.9 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and up to 11 GW by 2040.
Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Energy Webinar Week is being held 14 June 2021 – use this link for more details and to register
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.