Green Forum • 30 April, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Equinor and Polenergia have received the final environmental permit for the Bałtyk 1 offshore wind farm project, marking a key milestone in Poland's offshore wind development. The decision, issued by the Regional Director for Environmental Protection (RDOŚ) in Gdańsk, confirms that the project meets all environmental criteria required for further progress.
Bałtyk 1, located 81 kilometers off the Polish coast in the Baltic Sea, is designed to deliver up to 1,560 MW of renewable energy. The project is one of three wind farms jointly developed by Equinor and Polenergia, alongside Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3. Combined, the three projects are expected to generate up to 3,000 MW of electricity, significantly contributing to Poland's clean energy transition.
With the environmental permit now finalized, Bałtyk 1 is moving forward in preparation for Poland's next offshore wind auction, scheduled for 2025.
“This is a crucial milestone for the Bałtyk 1 project, bringing us closer to participation in the second phase of offshore wind development,” said Adam Purwin, CEO of Polenergia. “Organizing the auction this year will ensure continuity between the first and second phases of the offshore program and allow the full energy potential of the Polish Baltic Sea to be realized. Just as importantly, it will enable Polish companies to integrate seamlessly into the supply chain and increase local content. Bałtyk 1, as the largest offshore wind project currently under development in Poland, plays a vital role in this effort.”
Equinor's Polish CEO, Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, emphasized that the project is well positioned for the next stage. “Bałtyk 1 has already obtained permits for laying and maintaining subsea cables and has signed a grid connection agreement with the transmission system operator. The environmental permit now opens the door for the project to participate in the upcoming 2025 auction.”
Preparations for Bałtyk 1 have already entered the early implementation phase. Supply chain analysis is underway, and the first meetings with prospective contractors are expected to begin shortly.
Equinor and Polenergia's offshore wind portfolio represents a cornerstone of Poland's decarbonization strategy. First power from Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 is expected to be delivered by 2027.