Geoscience project management support for offshore wind in the Baltic Sea

Ignitis Renewables, part of Ignitis Group, is an international green energy company operating in the Baltics and Poland, has embarked on a groundbreaking offshore wind farm project off the coast of Lithuania. This ambitious venture, known as Curonian Nord, is a joint venture with Ocean Winds. It will be the first offshore wind farm in the Baltic states. To ensure the successful development of this pioneering project, Ignitis Renewables sought expert support from EPI Group in several crucial areas during the site investigation phase.

Project Overview

The Curonian Nord offshore wind farm is set to be a game-changer in Lithuania’s energy landscape:

Capacity: The wind farm will have an installed capacity of 700 MW.
Location: It will be situated at least 37 km offshore from the nearest coast and approximately 50 km from the port of Klaipėda.
Area: The project will cover a maritime area of about 120 square kilometers.
Energy Production: Once operational, it is expected to generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity annually, meeting approximately 25% of Lithuania’s current electricity needs.

Project Management and Consultancy

EPI Group provided a dedicated project management team to assist Ignitis Renewables throughout the development and survey phases. Their responsibilities included:

Overseeing the site investigation survey design process.
Managing the tendering stages.
Coordinating survey activities.

Specialized Expertise

Key personnel were engaged to provide geophysical and geotechnical project management support and technical assistance. EPI Group’s experts were particularly focused on addressing the challenge of 3D boulder detection, which is a significant issue in the Baltic Sea region due to its glacial history. Precise boulder detection is crucial for:

Optimizing wind farm layout.
Planning cable routes.
Determining turbine placements.

Client Satisfaction

The collaboration between Ignitis Renewables and the project management team yielded exceptional results. Dainius Stepanonis, Offshore Wind Project Manager at Ignitis Renewables, expressed high praise for the services provided:

“We are extremely pleased with the exceptional services provided by James Woodyard and his team throughout the entire campaign. Their vast knowledge and expertise were invaluable assets, and we truly appreciate the proactiveness, flexibility, and ownership demonstrated at every stage. Their commitment to excellence and willingness to go the extra mile made a significant impact, and we are grateful for this partnership.”

This testimonial underscores the team’s dedication, expertise, and significant contribution to the project’s progress

Strategic Importance

The Curonian Nord project holds immense strategic value for both Ignitis Group and Lithuania:

It aligns with Ignitis Group’s strategy to develop an offshore wind portfolio in the Baltic states.
The project contributes significantly to Lithuania’s National Energy Independence Strategy, which aims to cover 100% of the country’s electricity needs using renewable energy sources.
It positions Lithuania as a pioneer in offshore wind development among the Baltic states.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The development of Curonian Nord is expected to bring substantial benefits:

Economic Boost: The project will attract private investments, create high-skilled jobs, and stimulate local businesses.
Community Support: Ignitis Renewables has committed to contributing approximately €3 million annually to nearby municipalities based on electricity generation.
Environmental Protection: The Curonian Nord project team is conducting thorough environmental impact assessments to ensure the protection of the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem while expanding green energy production.

Conclusion

The Curonian Nord offshore wind farm represents a significant leap forward in Lithuania’s renewable energy sector. With expert support in critical areas such as project management and geological challenges, Ignitis Renewables is well-positioned to successfully deliver this pioneering project, setting a precedent for future offshore wind developments in the Baltic region.

To discuss boulder detection for wind farms, and broader site investigation support, get in touch with our team today: https://www.epigroup.com/contact/

You can read the full case study HERE