The 50/50 JV of EDP Renewables and ENGIE has secured around €2.0 billion for the construction & operation of its first offshore wind energy farm in the Baltic, the 364/390-megawatt BC-Wind off the Polish coast.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will contribute close to one-third of the entire project finance, with the Spanish Official Credit Institute and 13 commercial banks supplying the rest.
Construction will kick off in 2026, starting with onshore works: substation and export cable route, to be carried out by P&Q, while Tele-Fonika Kable will design and install the cables. Meanwhile, Ocean Winds will set up a service base in Władysławowo on the Polish coast.
Świnoujście will serve as the marshalling harbour for foundations, while Gdańsk - for the wind turbines (26 units, each with 14MW of capacity, plus the power boost feature that will make it possible to increase their output to 15MW).
Once up and running in 2028, BC-Wind will deliver electricity to nearly half a million households in Poland.
"In Poland, offshore wind energy is a key driver of the country's energy transition and a real opportunity for the development of a revitalised economic sector. At Ocean Winds, we are convinced that Poland has the potential to become a regional leader in offshore wind - both in terms of clean energy production and industrial capability. Supported by key financial partners such as the European Investment Bank, the BC-Wind project is our contribution to this strategic process and a step toward increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix," Bautista Rodríguez Sánchez, Chief Operating Officer, Ocean Winds, commented.
Kacper Kostrzewa, Managing Director for Poland, Ocean Winds, added, "Reaching financial close for BC-Wind is not only a milestone for the project but also a milestone for the Polish offshore wind industry. It confirms that Poland is ready to deliver large-scale offshore wind projects with local expertise, technology, and determination. Together with our Polish suppliers, we are entering the next phase - the construction of a new wind farm in the Baltic Sea. This cooperation strengthens the development of local content and supports the integration of Polish companies into the offshore wind supply chain. This is not just an investment in energy - it's an investment in a revitalised, competitive industry in Poland."
Teresa Czerwińska, EIB VP, also shared, "The EIB's persistent commitment to supporting climate, economic competitiveness and Europe's strategic sovereignty stands behind this beneficial, long-term loan for the construction and operation of BC-Wind, a new offshore wind project in the Polish economic zone in the Baltic Sea. As the climate bank of the European Union, the EIB is a trusted partner of ambitious energy transition in Poland, from renewable sources to grid modernisation to energy efficiency and affordability. The latest addition to Poland's rapidly growing offshore wind industry, BC-Wind will help reduce Poland's carbon emissions and ensure energy security for people and businesses."
Photo: Ocean Winds