The first offshore wind farm in the Baltics will be called Curonian Nord

Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, is developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltics, which will be called Curonian Nord. This project is particularly important to the Lithuanian energy sector and is named in the honour of Curonians, a tribe that used to live on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The name is also associated with one of the most beautiful and unique locations in Lithuania and the region, the Curonian Spit.

“The development of offshore wind technologies is strategically important in the global pursuit of energy transition. In Lithuania these technologies have a huge potential. The Curonian Nord project will significantly contribute to the green future of the Lithuanian energy sector. It will also contribute to our purpose to create a 100% green and secure energy ecosystem for current and future generations,” said Darius Maikštėnas, CEO of Ignitis Group.

According to him, a successful implementation of the offshore project off the coast of Lithuania is fundamental to the country’s energy independence. Thanks to this project, a significant increase in local renewable electricity generation will eliminate the dependence on electricity imports, promote the region's transition to a sustainable green energy hub and contribute to the plans to turn the Baltic states into energy exporters to Central and Western Europe.

The project will boost the economy of the coastal region and the entire country and support the local communities

According to Anne-Marie Roikjær, Project Director, as pioneers in the Baltic states, we will create an offshore wind competence hub in the region. “The significant investments related to the project and new high-skilled jobs will promote the economy of the coastal region and the entire country,” says A. Roikjær.

According to her, Lithuania will probably see an influx of new companies which will supply goods and provide services for the project, which in turn will create even more jobs and open more possibilities for the businesses. The coastal region has everything you need to establish a renewable energy research hub, attract partners from universities and R&D institutes.

By attracting private investors to Lithuania, creating new jobs and concluding transactions with local companies, the offshore wind project will directly benefit the coastal communities. Ignitis Renewables will also support their activities directly.

“During the construction of the project, we will look for ways to improve the quality of life of the communities, and after the offshore wind farm becomes operational, we will pay a generation fee. The aggregated funds will be allocated to improve the quality of life of the Lithuanian coastal communities and promote the economy. We will employ these measures to have a positive impact on the environment surrounding the wind farm now and in the future,” says the Project Director.

Focus on the protection of the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem

By developing the first offshore wind farm in the Baltics, Ignitis Renewables is expanding the green energy sector while protecting the environment. By carrying out a thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA), the company is ensuring that the project will contribute to the implementation of Lithuania’s energy goals and the protection of the Baltic Sea's ecosystem.

“Green energy is closely related to nature and its preservation. The protection of the Baltic Sea's ecosystem is one of the most important goals set out in our sustainability strategy. We will adhere to the best international practices to strike a balance between environmental protection and clean electricity generation. We will consult with highly qualified experts from Lithuania and other countries during all stages of the project's development,” states A. Roikjær.

She notes that the offshore wind farm and its infrastructure will be designed and developed in accordance with the requirements of all relevant environmental legal acts.

About Curonian Nord

It is estimated that the 700 megawatt (MW) Curonian Nord wind farm, located in the Baltic Sea, will generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year, which would cover around a quarter of Lithuania's current electricity demand.

The maritime area designated for the offshore wind farm is approximately 120 square kilometres. It is at least 37 km away from the shore and approximately 50 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. There will be up to 55 wind turbines with a maximum height of up to 350 metres. These parameters will depend on the findings of the studies, the environmental impact assessment, the adopted technologies and other conditions.

Based on the currently available information, the capacity and the location of the wind farm, its distance from the shore as well as the sea depth are all suitable for developing offshore capacities and correspond to the scopes and conditions of other offshore wind farm projects in Europe.

The project is led by Ignitis Renewables with partner Ocean Winds. More information about the project is available on the website curoniannord.com.