Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 20, Orlen Group, in collaboration with Northland Power, has completed the installation of the first wind turbine for the Baltic Power offshore wind farm in Polish waters. The project, utilizing 15-megawatt Vestas turbines—the largest of their kind in Europe—marks a significant step in Poland’s renewable energy development, as announced in a recent Orlen media release.

'We have entered a key stage in the execution of a project that is truly reshaping the Polish energy landscape'.

The Baltic Power wind farm, set to be operational in 2026, is expected to supply up to 3% of Poland’s electricity needs as early as next year. “We have entered a key stage in the execution of a project that is truly reshaping the Polish energy landscape,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO and President of the Management Board of Orlen. “Diversifying our power generation sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels are crucial steps towards enhancing our long-term energy resilience.”

Each turbine tower exceeds 120 meters in height, with the full structure, including foundations, reaching 250 meters. The nacelles, comparable to a three-story building, are fitted with 115-meter-long blades, covering a swept area of 43,700 square meters. Some towers incorporate recycled steel, a first for wind farm construction, according to Orlen. The project includes 74 turbines, with components like nacelles manufactured locally at Vestas’ new plant in Szczecin, alongside other Polish-made elements such as offshore substation topsides, onshore cables, and foundation parts.

“Constructing an offshore wind farm is a massive engineering and logistical challenge, requiring the synchronized effort of up to 15 different vessels,” said Grzegorz Szablinski, President of the Management Board of Baltic Power. “What makes this joint project between Orlen and Northland Power even more meaningful is the local content: many components, including some of the nacelles, are manufactured right here in Poland at the Vestas new plant in Szczecin.”

The Wind Osprey, a jack-up vessel owned by Cadeler, is handling turbine installations, capable of transporting three complete turbines per trip with a lifting capacity of 1,600 tons after a 2024 crane upgrade. Monopiles, transition pieces, and preparations for inter-array and export cables are underway, with offshore substations scheduled for installation later this autumn. Onshore, an operations and maintenance base in Łeba was completed in April.

The Baltic Power project, Poland’s first offshore wind farm, supports plans for additional projects totaling 5.5 gigawatts in collaboration with partners. By leveraging local manufacturing and advanced technology, the initiative enhances energy sustainability and economic growth in Poland.