Nordex, a German original equipment manufacturer, has been awarded an order to provide turbines for the 255MW Sopi-Tootsi wind project in Estonia. This project, set to begin operation in 2024, will be the largest wind farm in the Baltic states. Under the €200m contract signed today, Nordex will deliver 38 of its 6.8MW turbines to the Põhja-Pärnumaa municipality, where the project is located. The developer expects the project to generate enough electricity to meet more than 8% of Estonia's consumption.
“We are very pleased to be working with Enefit Green again,” Nordex chief sales officer Patxi Landa said.
Enefit Green, the green power unit of public Estonian utility Eesti Energia, is building the 72MW Tolpanvaara wind project in northern Finland using turbines supplied by the manufacturer. This is Estonia's largest investment in renewable energy to date, according to Enefit Green chairman Aavo Kärmas. Despite having a small population of only 1.3 million, Estonia is investing in renewable energy.
“We plan to build a solar park near the wind turbines, and the most powerful and modern renewable energy area in the Baltic States will be formed, which will benefit both the local community and every electricity consumer in Estonia,” he said.
A cooperation agreement has been signed with the Põhja-Pärnumaa municipality to facilitate construction, including the provision of a direct power line that will provide electricity at no cost for up to 20MW, as well as the construction of a public road through the wind farm.
“For a project of this scale to be successful, joint efforts of all partners and good cooperation during both the construction and energy production periods are needed,” Karmas said.
Aivar Mäe, the mayor of Põhja-Pärnumaa municipality, added: “The expression “Not in my backyard!” is not used in this project when communicating with each other.
“We are talking about very affordable energy, new, comfortable rental houses and opportunities for entrepreneurs.”