Poland's first offshore wind farm, Baltic Power, has officially entered its construction phase, with Orlen and Northland Power at the helm of the 1.2GW project. Following months of preparation, a fleet of 11 specialized vessels has mobilized to begin installing the wind farm's foundational structures.
The initial phase has already seen the successful placement of two monopiles—100-meter steel pillars that will support 15MW wind turbines. In total, 78 monopiles are set to be installed as part of the Baltic Power project, which is expected to commence operations in 2026.
Ireneusz Fafara, President and CEO of Orlen, emphasized the significance of the milestone: “Our new strategy is about action and delivering tangible progress, as demonstrated by Poland's first offshore wind farm. After months of intensive work, we are proud to confirm that the first foundations for the Baltic Power project have been installed. By 2026, energy from the Baltic Sea will be flowing to consumers for the first time. This is clean, stable, and secure power that will drive Poland's economy forward.”
The Baltic Power wind farm marks a significant step in Orlen's strategy to increase its offshore wind capacity. The company aims to deploy over 4 GW of capacity in the Baltic Sea, collaborating with industry leaders to drive Poland's energy transition. In addition to Baltic Power, Orlen is also moving forward with the development of three other offshore wind farms for which it has already secured licenses.
As part of its strategy, Orlen has committed to maximizing the involvement of Polish industries throughout the wind farm's 30-year lifespan. Key components, including turbine nacelles, subsea cables, and offshore substation structures, are being manufactured in various Polish locations. Local companies are also contributing to geological surveys, engineering design, and logistics support.
Christine Healy, President and CEO of Northland Power, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project: “As co-developers of Poland's first offshore wind farm, we are excited to contribute our global experience in offshore wind projects. This achievement not only demonstrates our progress together, but also fuels our determination. Safety remains our top priority throughout every stage, ensuring we uphold the highest standards in every aspect of the project. Today's milestone is a testament to the strong partnership between Northland and ORLEN and further solidifies our shared commitment to Poland's energy future.”
The construction phase also involves over ten specialized ships, including tugboats, support vessels, and security patrols. The Baltic Power Offshore Coordination Centre is overseeing all offshore activities and maritime traffic in real time, ensuring smooth operations as work continues.
The project is a key part of Poland's broader energy strategy, combining offshore wind with other renewable energy sources, gas-fired power plants, and energy storage to meet the country's growing demand for sustainable power.
