Lithuania confirms plan for 700 MW of offshore wind

An initial 700 MW of offshore wind capacity will be auctioned by the Baltic state in 2023.

The cabinet also confirmed an offshore wind development roadmap first discussed by a public-private offshore wind task force in Q1-Q2 2020.

Vice-minister at the Ministry of Energy Rytis Kėvelaitis said the main regulatory changes since the plan was first outlined are the use of a two-sided contract for difference for revenue stabilisation; the generation assets will be connected to the grid by the transmission system operator; and the winner of the auction will secure rights to land use.

The changes will be submitted for public consultation later in June 2020 and are expected to be adopted in the Lithuanian parliament in Q3 2020.

The Lithuanian Energy Agency will prepare spatial planning and environmental documents to mitigate risks for the developer selected for the project.

The offshore wind capacity built following the auction should begin to produce power in 2028.