The government confirmed the location of the joint Estonian and Latvian offshore wind energy project Elwind in the Estonian sea area. Based on research and analysis, the most suitable development area for the implementation of a joint project in Estonian waters is the sea area west of Sõrve.
During the preliminary study of the location selection of the offshore wind farm ordered in cooperation with the neighboring countries, various sea areas were analyzed in order to find the most suitable for the project. "The sea area to the west of Sõrve's leg turned out to be suitable because there are better wind and ice conditions compared to other areas, in addition, this area is away from the known flight paths of migratory birds, the habitats of seals and other aquatic life," explained the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Riina Sikkut about the choice of location.
With the Elwind project, it is planned to establish a total of 700-1000 MW of offshore wind production capacity in the sea area of Estonia and Latvia. The states carry out the necessary preparatory work for the areas, and then auctions for construction permits are organized.
In mid-September, the Latvian state informed that the wind farm area is located in the Latvian sea area in the Kurzeme region between Liepaja and Ventspils away from the coast
As the next stage of the project in Estonia, the Center for Environmental Investments submits an application to the Consumer Protection and Technical Supervision Board (TTJA) for the issuance of a building permit for the Estonian maritime area of the joint project. By taking the development permit procedure, TTJA initiates an environmental impact assessment, during which KIK orders the necessary studies.
Elwind is implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Communications, the Latvian Ministry of Economy, the Center for Environmental Investments, the Latvian Investment and Development Agency and the Latvian grid operator Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST).
Source: ERR