The Norwegian state-owned multinational energy company has acquired a site at the Polish Port of Łeba to serve as the operations and maintenance (O&M) base for offshore wind projects it develops together with Polenergia.
Equinor will construct, own, and operate the base, which will support the Bałtyk I, Bałtyk II, and Bałtyk III investments.
Poland's Energy Regulatory Office has recently awarded contracts for difference to the Equinor and Polenergia's Bałtyk II and Bałtyk III 50:50 joint ventures (1,440 MW of combined potential capacity; Bałtyk I, 1,560 MW, follows a different timeline).
Equinor is the projects' operator through the development, construction, and operations phases. Construction of the wind farms infrastructure could begin as soon as 2024, the companies say.
"We are making a long-term investment in Łeba as a future hub of offshore wind in Poland. We are committed to creating lasting local value through our projects in Poland, and the O&M base means jobs and investment for Łeba and the region. We are excited to contribute to a new chapter in the rich maritime tradition of Łeba and will continue to engage in a dialogue with all stakeholders as Poland's offshore wind industry takes shape," Michal Kolodziejczyk, Equinor's Country Manager in Poland, commented.
Michał Michalski, President of Polenergia's Management Board, added, "We see our offshore wind projects as an important part of the transformation - not only energy-wise but also for the economies of Poland and Europe. Our goal for the projects development is not only reducing emissions and support energy diversification but to create additional jobs, bring a chance for many companies' modernization, innovation and new competitive advantages of Polish industry as well. Therefore, together with our partner we have created a flagship program to support Polish wind energy industry development and now, while building supply chain for our offshore wind farms, we can implement them step by step. The first and a very important step on that path is selection of the port in Łeba to become operations and maintenance base for Bałtyk II and Bałtyk III projects."
Photo: Equinor