The first wind turbine has been installed at the Baltic Power offshore wind farm in Poland.
The 1.2GW project, a joint venture between Orlen and Northland Power, will comprise 76 turbines in total, each with a capacity of 15MW.
The Vestas V236-15MW model (pictured), the largest offshore wind turbine in Europe, can produce up to 80GWh of energy per year.
From Port of Rønne, Cadeler’s vessel Wind Osprey and her crew will transport and install all 76 turbines.
When fully commissioned next year, the 1.2 GW wind farm will become Poland’s first offshore wind project, powering over 1.5 million Polish households and covering 3% of the country’s electricity demand. It is estimated that the project will also save 2.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
“We have entered a key stage in the execution of a project that is truly reshaping the Polish energy landscape,” said Orlen chief executive Ireneusz Fąfara.
“Diversifying our power generation sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels are crucial steps towards enhancing our long-term energy resilience, especially vital amid today’s geopolitical instability.
“Having ended the region’s reliance on Russian hydrocarbons, we are now turning the page to begin a new chapter in Poland’s energy history.
“This project equips us with the expertise that will drive the development of further offshore wind farms outlined in our strategic plan.
“Our experience and commitment will also be invaluable for the broader economy. Offshore wind power, as one of the most efficient and predictable sources of renewable energy supporting conventional capacity, will help create a stable, clean and competitive energy mix in Poland.”
Orlen said each turbine will be capable of generating enough energy to power every household in a city the size of Stalowa Wola or Krosno.
The turbine towers exceed 120 metres in height, with the total structure – including foundations – reaching 250 metres. Some of the Baltic Power turbine towers are made from recycled steel, the first time this approach has been used in wind farm construction.
The nacelles, the size of a three-storey house, are installed on the towers and fitted with blades measuring 115 metres in length. The resulting swept area is 43,700 square metres, equivalent to over six football pitches.
“This is a landmark day for the Polish energy sector,” said Grzegorz Szabliński, president of the management board of Baltic Power. “We have successfully undertaken a pioneering operation to install the largest wind turbines currently deployed in Europe.
“Constructing an offshore wind farm is a massive engineering and logistical challenge, requiring the synchronised effort of up to 15 different vessels.
“What makes this joint project between Orlen and Northland Power even more meaningful is the local content: many components, including some of the nacelles, are manufactured right here in Poland at the Vestas new plant in Szczecin. They complement other domestically produced elements such as topsides of offshore substations, onshore cables and elements of foundations.”
Foundation works – including the installation of monopiles and transition pieces – are ongoing on the offshore construction site. Preparations are underway for the installation of inter-array and export offshore cables. Offshore substations are scheduled to be installed later in autumn.