en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ignitis Renewables has obtained a positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval for its 700 MW Curonian Nord offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Lithuania.

The decision was made by the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency based on the project's EIA report, which assessed potential impacts on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, landscape, fisheries, public health, and other environmental and social factors. Ignitis stated that the assessment was conducted in accordance with Lithuanian law and international standards.

With the EIA approval, the proposed offshore wind farm can proceed to the next development phase, subject to the implementation of mitigation measures. Ignitis noted that these measures aim to reduce potential impacts on biodiversity and marine ecosystems during wind farm construction and operation, while ensuring long-term environmental monitoring and the application of adaptive management principles.

Ignitis Renewables, in a joint venture with Ocean Winds, secured the development rights for the wind farm in Lithuania's first offshore wind auction in 2023. Last year, the parties signed a sale and purchase agreement, granting Ignitis full ownership of the Curonian Nord project.

The 700 MW offshore wind farm is planned to be built approximately 37 kilometers off the Lithuanian coast, covering an area of about 120 square kilometers. According to the developer, with the EIA approval, the project will continue through the remaining permitting stages, with a construction permit expected to be obtained in 2027.