Hendrikson & KO and Pondera Consult have been selected to carry out a pre-feasibility study for the up to 1GW Elwind offshore wind farm, which Latvia and Estonia are planning to build.
The aim of the study is to preselect suitable geographical areas for the construction of the wind farm.
Hendrikson & KO and Pondera Consult, which were chosen following a public procurement process, are expected to assess and model pre-selected development areas for the offshore wind farm and submit a proposal for the best location.
They will assess several locations of approximately 200km-squared each, assuming a power density of 5-7MW/km2.
The results of the assessment should become available before the end of the current year.
A decision on selecting specific areas for further development may be adopted in the early 2022, the Estonian Ministry Economic Affairs said.
Latvia Minister for Economy Janis Vitenbergs said: “The development of renewables-founded production capacities is of utmost important for the entire Baltic region.
“Considering the current state of global energy markets as well as the upward trend, observed in the trajectory of fossil energy source prices, wind-based electricity generation is a vital instrument of ensuring sufficient and stable supply of clean, cheap and carbon-neutral power.
“We are proud of the magnitude and depth of the cooperation which aim is to create a better future for Latvians and Estonians.”
Estonia Minister for Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Taavi Aas said: “We have joined forces with our neighbours with the goal of achieving a sustainable, affordable and stable energy production.
“We are in the beginning of a long and challenging journey where two good neighbours are efficiently combining their expertise, resources and commitment in order to improve cross-border connectivity and to enhance security of the supply for the Baltics.
“Furthermore, it is undoubtedly another important step to achieve the goals of European green policy.”
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding last year that foresees the completion of the project by 2030.
The wind farm is planned to have capacity between 700MW and 1GW.
Estonia and Latvia are planning to apply for co-financing for the construction of the grid from the Connecting Europe Facility of Renewable Energy funds.
The project is led by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia, Ministry of Economics of Latvia, Environmental Investment Centre of Estonia and Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.