Poland Advances Offshore Wind Energy with Baltic East Project

Polish state energy company Orlen has received environmental approval for its second offshore wind farm, Baltic East, from the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Gdansk. This decision is crucial as it allows Baltic East to participate in Poland's first offshore wind auction scheduled for December 17, 2025. The project, with a capacity of approximately 1 gigawatt (GW), is expected to supply clean electricity to over 1.25 million households and is set to begin operations in 2032. The auction will allocate support for up to 4 GW of offshore capacity through contracts for difference (CfDs), which guarantee a fixed price for electricity generated.

ORLEN’s second offshore wind farm moves a step closer: Baltic East secures environmental decisionNotes from PolandBaltic East secures environmental approvalFirst offshore wind nacelles installed at Baltic Power offshore wind farmBaltic Power Project Installs First Polish-Built Nacelles In Major Milestone

The participation of Baltic East is deemed essential for the auction's validity, as noted by Karol Lasocki, a partner at DWF Poland law firm. The auction is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for Poland's offshore wind sector, helping to assess the viability of future projects. Orlen aims to complete all its offshore developments by 2040, aligning with national goals to enhance energy security and expand low-carbon power generation.

Notes from Poland

In parallel, the Baltic Power project, a joint venture between Orlen and Northland Power, has marked a significant milestone by installing the first nacelles manufactured in Poland. These nacelles are part of the 15 MW turbines being deployed at the site, which is located approximately 23 km off the coast near Choczewo and Leba. The installation campaign, which began in July 2025, is supported by a Cadeler O-class jack-up vessel and is expected to produce up to 4 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 1.5 million households.

First Locally-Built Nacelles Installed at Polish Offshore Wind Farm

Both projects emphasize the importance of local content, with Orlen stating its ambition for Polish companies to account for up to half of the project’s value throughout its lifecycle. The Baltic Power project has already engaged numerous Polish businesses in various capacities, including environmental studies and logistics. The estimated local content level for the Baltic Power project is expected to exceed 21%, in line with guidelines for offshore wind development.

First offshore wind nacelles installed at Baltic Power offshore wind farm

Ireneusz Fafara, CEO of Orlen, described the environmental decision for Baltic East as a "key milestone" that enables participation in the upcoming auction. Janusz Bil, President of Orlen Neptun, emphasized the project's potential to strengthen Poland's offshore wind capabilities and create opportunities for domestic suppliers.

ORLEN’s second offshore wind farm moves a step closer: Baltic East secures environmental decision

While the developments in offshore wind energy are generally viewed positively, some critics express concerns regarding the environmental impact of large-scale wind farms and the pace of transitioning from coal, which still accounted for nearly 57% of Poland's electricity generation in 2024.

Notes from Poland

The upcoming auction in December will be a critical step for both Baltic East and other competing projects, including Polenergia/Equinor’s Baltyk 1 and PGE Group’s Baltica 1. The outcomes will shape the future of offshore wind energy in Poland, a sector that is increasingly seen as vital for the country's energy transition.

Notes from Poland