Orsted and PGE have started offshore construction work on the Baltica 2 offshore wind farm in the Polish Baltic Sea.
The first foundations have now been installed at the 1.5GW project site, located about 40km off the Polish coast near Ustka.
Baltica 2 is being developed in a 50/50 partnership between Ørsted and PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna.
The developers said the wind farm will be capable of powering about 2.5 million Polish households.
Installation contractor Van Oord will install 111 monopiles during the campaign, including 107 for wind turbines and four for offshore substations.
The installation campaign is scheduled to continue until the fourth quarter of 2026.
The monopiles are about 100 metres long, with diameters of more than 10 metres and an average weight of 1500 tonnes.
Baltica 2 is expected to be fully commissioned in 2027.
The project has secured a 25-year inflation-protected contract for difference with the Polish state.
Baltica 2 will comprise 107 Siemens Gamesa 14-222 wind turbines rated at 14MW.
The turbines will be installed by Cadeler and Fred. Olsen Windcarrier.
Ørsted chief executive Rasmus Errboe said: “We’re pleased to mark the start of offshore construction with the first monopile installations on Baltica 2.
“Poland and Europe need offshore wind to strengthen their energy security.
“Building a secure, resilient, and sustainable Europe is more important than ever.
“I wish to thank the Polish government for its support, and I want to thank our partner, PGE, for working with us to reach this point.
“Together, we’re writing a new chapter in the history of the Polish energy sector, and we’re setting up an industry that will bring jobs and industrial development to Poland for decades to come.”
PGE chief executive Dariusz Lubera said: “The commencement of construction on the Baltica 2 Offshore Wind Farm in the Baltic Sea is a breakthrough moment not only for the PGE Group, but also for the entire Polish energy sector.
“It also sends a clear signal to the market that PGE, as a leader, is taking responsibility for the country’s energy transition – we’re launching the largest renewable energy project in Poland in terms of capacity, which is being constructed in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea.
“The first electricity will flow from these installations in just one year.
“Once completed, the 1.5 GW wind farm will generate 5–6 TWh of energy annually, equivalent to the annual electricity demand of approximately 2.5 million households.
“Our investment strengthens Poland’s energy security, provides a stable source of zero-emission energy, and simultaneously reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports.”
Van Oord chief executive Govert van Oord said: “Van Oord is proud to be the installation contractor for the foundations of Baltica 2, making a significant contribution to the energy transition in Poland.
“By deploying our offshore installation vessel Aeolus and heavy-lift vessel Svanen, supported by highly experienced crews and proven offshore expertise, we ensure safe, timely delivery to the highest standards.”