Equinor and Polenergia have secured the final environmental decision for their planned almost 1600MW Bałtyk 1 offshore wind project.
The Regional Director for Environmental Protection (RDOŚ) in Gdańsk issued the decision, allowing the project to progress towards Poland’s 2025 offshore auction.
The developers stressed the need for the auction to be held this year to maintain momentum between the first and second phases of offshore development and to maximise local industry participation.
“This is an extremely important moment for the Bałtyk 1 project, bringing us closer to participating in the auction of the second phase of offshore development,” said Adam Purwin, chief executive of Polenergia.
“Holding it in 2025 will ensure continuity between the first and second phases of offshore wind development, avoiding unnecessary delays and maximising the energy potential of the Polish sea.
“Equally important, it will enable a smooth integration of Polish companies into the construction process and boost local content.”
“The environmental decision for the Bałtyk 1 project-the most advanced initiative in the second phase of offshore wind development in Poland-is a significant milestone,” said Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, country manager of Equinor in Poland.
“Bałtyk 1 has already obtained a permit for the installation and maintenance of offshore cables, as well as a grid connection agreement with the transmission system operator.
“The environmental permit enables the project to move forward and participate in the 2025 auction.”
Bałtyk 1 will be located 81 kilometres offshore.
Electricity generated will be transmitted to a connection point at the Krzemienica substation, currently under development by the Polish Transmission System Operator.
Onshore connection infrastructure will be located in the municipalities of Ustka and Redzikowo in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
Equinor and Polenergia said they have conducted an environmental impact assessment for Bałtyk 1, including studies on underwater noise and bird collision risks.
Mitigation measures proposed in the report are expected to effectively reduce the project’s environmental impact, the developers said.
The Bałtyk projects-Bałtyk 1, Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3-are jointly being developed by Equinor and Polenergia with a combined potential capacity of up to 3GW, enough to power around 4 million households.
First electricity from Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 is expected in 2027.
Supply chain engagement for Bałtyk 1 is underway, with more than 300 Polish companies participating in supplier meetings.
Several domestic firms have already secured tier-1 contracts, and further contractor engagement is scheduled.