Intensive preparations for the development of wind energy in the Baltic Sea have begun

A working group for the development of offshore wind parks consisting of energy experts from private and public sectors, has started working at the Ministry of Energy in February, which has prepared recommendations for possible stages of power plant development in the Baltic Sea.

According to the report made by the Ministry of Energy, the recommendations will have to include: models for connection to the electricity grid, distribution of responsibilities and connection costs, selection of power plants in the maritime area, necessary research, possible support methods, regulation of permits to use the marine area.

The working group includes the Ministries of Energy, Environment, Transport and Communications, National Energy Regulatory Council, Lithuanian Energy Agency, Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lithuanian Business Confederation, Lithuanian Wind Power Association, Lithuanian Wind Energy Association, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, National Lithuanian Energy Association and Litgrid representatives.

It is planned that the first offshore wind power auction could be held in 2022–2023, the installed capacity could reach 700 MW by 2030, and last year a study conducted by Klaipėda scientists provides that the best area for offshore wind development is 30–40 kilometres from the shore of Šventoji. The total potential capacity of the studied area could be 3.35 GW, according to the study.

Aistis Radavičius, Executive Director of the Lithuanian Wind Power Association, reminds that the development of offshore wind energy will be extremely significant in implementing the goal set in the National Energy Independence Strategy – to produce all the necessary electricity from renewable sources in the future. However, to ensure an effective development of offshore wind energy, it is important to prepare a suitable regulatory framework. Good outcome can be achieved only after forming a favourable investment environment, setting suitable conditions for connection to the power transmission networks, and creating an attractive support model.