Virtually all countries in the Baltic Sea basin are investing in the development of offshore wind energy. The dynamics of these investments shows how important a role – not only for achieving the set goals of the energy transition, but for the development of the economy in general – offshore wind plays. The latest investments in the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda are a good example.
Waterfront for offshore wind farms in Klaipeda
The port of Klaipeda is one of the most important in the eastern Baltic Sea. It is worth noting that it is the northernmost ice-free port – taking into account the eastern Baltic region, of course. The port is also extremely important for the entire Lithuanian economy. It is hardly surprising, then, that it also plays an important role for offshore wind energy, in which Lithuania is dynamically investing.
Recently, the Lithuanian Port of Klaipeda announced a tender to carry out the necessary work to adapt the port to the requirements of offshore wind. In the first stage, it is planned to dredge the port infrastructure and reconstruct the quays. The prospect is to adapt the port to fully support the construction process and the operation of offshore wind farms. Of course, this work is closely related to Lithuania’s plans for wind energy development in the Baltic Sea. What investments is Lithuania planning in this area?
Offshore in Lithuania
Lithuania is currently planning the construction of two offshore wind farms, with a total capacity of about 1.4 GW, allowing for the production of up to 6 TWh of electricity per year. The wind farms are scheduled to come online in 2028 near Polėga, in Lithuania’s exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea. According to estimates, the implementation of this offshore wind project will translate into the creation of at least 1,300 new jobs.
The tender for the construction of the first wind farm was won by Ignitis Renewables together with its partner Ocean Winds. Proceedings to select a contractor for the second offshore power plant are still underway. It is estimated that once the planned offshore wind investments are up and running, energy produced in the Baltic will cover up to half of Lithuania’s electricity needs.