3.35 GW of offshore wind potential in Lithuania 

A study conducted by Marine Research Institute of Klaipeda University on behalf of the Ministry of Energy in Lithuania has identified up to 3.35 GW of offshore wind energy capacity that could be built in its waters. The work undertaken by the university will help the government to formulate an offshore wind development plan.

The study showed that the best location for offshore wind development is 30 km from the shore off Šventoji, where wind speeds reach 9-10 m/s and the water depth is 25-40 m. The study also presents the analysis of the floor, depth and hydro-meteorological conditions of the Baltic Sea, including wind, waves, flows, temperature and salinity.

The plan suggests several offshore areas that could accommodate 200, 300, 400 or 500 MW of wind farms. In total, experts evaluated the feasibility of developing wind farms up to 3.35 GW.

The Lithuanian Energy Agency (LEA) will now prepare a plan for the areas identified in the study and conduct a strategic environmental impact assessment. The research conducted and the modeling results will also help LEA experts to conduct a feasibility study for connecting to onshore electricity transmission networks, as well as an economic cost-benefit analysis of the development of offshore wind.

Preparatory work will then begin for permits and tendering procedures. These documents will have to be approved by the Lithuanian Government.

The Government of Lithuania will make a decision about offshore wind energy in the Baltic sea by the end of 2020 and if the decision is favorable, the auctions will be announced in 2022.

Financing decisions will be made when decisions are made on wind farm capacity and development sites. Based on initial estimates, wind farms in the Baltic Sea could start producing electricity by 2030.