Lithuania forced to relaunch second offshore wind tender

Only one company, Ignitis Renewables – which together with partner Ocean Winds won the country’s first offshore wind tender – bid in response to the tender to construct a 700-MW windfarm. At least two bidders were required for the tender, launched in January 2024, to be considered successful.

Lithuanian’s Ministry of Energy said it will consult with market players and bring forward a revised tender at a later date.

Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys said, “In Lithuania’s pursuit of energy independence and green energy, offshore wind is one of the most important elements.

“Therefore, after consultations with market participants, the Ministry of Energy will update the conditions of the tender and prepare it anew.”

He noted the tender was prepared based on legislation dating from early 2022, but the situation in the global offshore wind market has changed dramatically and investors face higher interest rates, disrupted supply chains after the pandemic and more expensive components. The Minister also said the geopolitical situation in the region “could have influenced the investors’ plans.”

He went on, “The second 700-MW offshore windfarm is a project of strategic importance and absolutely necessary to ensure Lithuania’s energy self-sufficiency. A new tender will be announced again and as soon as possible.

“During consultations with market participants, we need to find out what specific conditions would maximise the attractiveness of the project.”

Lithuania plans to have two offshore windfarms with a total of 1.4 GW of capacity. This level of capacity will meet half of Lithuania’s current electricity consumption, which will allow self-sufficiency in electricity from local sources and eliminate dependence on electricity imports. The Minister said these are “strategic goals of Lithuania.”