Lithuanian offshore windfarm gets environmental green light

The environmental approval confirms that the project can be built, subject to certain mitigation measures set out in the agency’s decision.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the windfarm was prepared in accordance with Lithuanian legislation and international standards and evaluated potential impacts on the marine ecosystem, biodiversity, landscape, fisheries, public health and other environmental and social factors.

The positive EIA decision provides the environmental basis required for the project to progress through the remaining development and permitting stages and brings Lithuania’s largest wind project another step closer to delivery.

Curonian Wind project director Anne-Marie Roikjær said, “A positive decision is a significant milestone for the Curonian Nord project.

“It confirms that, following extensive environmental studies, stakeholder engagement and close cooperation with the authorities, the project can move forward while ensuring high environmental standards.”

The agency has set out a comprehensive package of mitigation measures and conditions, which are based on the impact reduction measures assessed and developed during the EIA process.

These measures will help reduce potential impacts on biodiversity and marine ecosystems during the construction and operation of the offshore windfarm, while ensuring long-term environmental monitoring and the application of adaptive management principles.

Curonian Nord will cover an area of approximately 120 km2 in the Baltic and will be at least 37 km offshore from the Lithuanian coast. It is estimated that the 700-MW windfarm could generate around 3 terawatt-hours of green electricity per year.

Following the approval, and in line with the regulations set out in the development permit, the project will continue with the remaining development and permitting activities required, ahead of obtaining the construction permit, which is expected in 2027.