Recently, wind energy in the Baltic region has seen several developments. The region offers significant potential for both onshore and offshore wind projects. Pondera is therefore actively engaging with clients in the Baltic region. As the focus on renewable energy continues to grow, this article examines the current developments for wind energy in the Baltic States and Poland.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

The development of wind energy in the Baltic States has become a top priority as part of their broader commitment to renewable energy and energy security.

While Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania each face unique circumstances in renewable energy deployment, they share common challenges that can be more effectively addressed through regional cooperation.

Estonia and Lithuania are strategically advancing their offshore wind energy sectors. The development of offshore wind is the main priority, with several offshore wind projects in development. The focus is shifting towards offshore wind as onshore wind development is progressing. Latvia is prioritizing the development of onshore wind projects and simultaneously, it is preparing for future offshore wind development and the Elwind offshore wind project, which it shares with Estonia. A common theme is to balance wind development with environmental protection and public participation. For offshore wind, investments are needed for port facilities.

Energy independence depends heavily on the development of renewable energy capacities, especially offshore wind projects and cross-border infrastructure. The Baltic States face three key challenges for grid integration. First, limited transmission network capacity slows wind energy growth. Second, better coordination, cost management and planning are needed for network expansion. Third, uncertainty over financing models hinders future projects, such as the Baltic Windconnector, an important interconnector to enable green energy exports to Western Europe, which is still in its early planning stages.

For future hydrogen transport and exports, transmission system operators (TSOs) are closely working together to advance the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative and develop cross-border hydrogen infrastructure. ¹

¹ WindWorks. Connecting Industries in Riga: Closer Baltic cooperation needed for wind energy development - Baltic Wind

Poland

In Poland, the onshore and offshore wind power sectors are advancing. The relaxation of distance regulations has opened opportunities new onshore projects, which could expand the current capacity of over 9 GW. Along the Polish coast, offshore wind energy is progressing apace, with plans underway to develop over 15 GW of wind farms in Polish waters. However, onshore projects are challenged by limitations in network connections, while offshore development encounter delays related to service and port infrastructure capacity, that must keep up with increasing investments. Notably, Poland is motivating young people to learn a profession in the (offshore) energy sector.

In short, the green energy transition is focused on the development of onshore wind projects in the short term, with a strategic shift towards offshore wind in the medium term, aiming to drive economic growth and enhance energy security. ²

At Pondera we support governments, project developers and other initiators in the Baltic States, Poland, or anywhere in the world to turn their demands into effective policy and executable projects. Contact our experts to connect.

² Source: 4coffshore news