The first offshore wind farm in Poland: What Baltic Power means for the country and the economy
Baltic Power This is the first offshore wind farm in Poland, being realised by The ORLEN Group and a Canadian company Northland Power. This is a groundbreaking project that will not only increase the country's energy security but also stimulate the local economy, create jobs, and contribute to the reduction of CO emissions.₂.
Economic significance and local contribution
Baltic Power is the largest infrastructure project in Poland's history, valued at approximately PLN 20 billion. It is assumed that at least 21% of the investment value will go to Polish companies. The project involves, among others, a turbine nacelle factory Vestas in Szczecin, Tele-Fonika Kable in Bydgoszcz and shipyards in Gdynia i Gdańsk producing steel components. The investment stimulates the development of the domestic maritime industry and at the same time lays the foundation for a new sector of the economy – offshore wind energy. This energy transformation, thanks to Baltic Power, will strengthen the country's energy security by increasing the share of renewable sources in the national system.
Technical specifications and construction schedule
Farma Baltic Power is located approximately 23 km north of the coast, in the area of Łeba and Choczewo. 76 Vestas wind turbines are being erected on an area of 130 km², equivalent to the area of Gdynia. Each of them has a capacity of 15 MW and a height exceeding 250 metres. The total installed capacity will be 1140 MW., This will provide enough energy for approximately 1.5 million households. Construction of the onshore infrastructure began in 2023, with offshore work starting in early 2025. In the second half of 2025, the installation of turbines and offshore substations commenced. The completion of the investment and the start of commercial energy production are scheduled for 2026.
Employment and development of the offshore sector in Poland
The Baltic Power project is having a significant impact on the labour market and the development of skills in offshore sector in Poland. The service base in Łeba will ensure permanent employment for a minimum of 30 years, supporting the farm's operation. In Szczecin, over 600 jobs have been created at the Vestas turbine factory. The investment also generates demand for specialists in engineering, logistics, service, and environmental research. Baltic Power has become an impetus for building a domestic supply chain for Offshore wind energy, engaging Polish firms in the production of components, transport, design, and technical services.
Environmental aspects
Po uruchomieniu farma Baltic Power będzie wytwarzać około 4 TWh energii rocznie, co pokryje 3% krajowego zapotrzebowania i pozwoli uniknąć emisji około 2,8 miliona ton CO₂ w skali roku. Położenie farmy 23 km od brzegu minimalizuje jej wpływ na krajobraz i turystykę. Podczas prac budowlanych wdrożono rozwiązania ograniczające wpływ inwestycji na środowisko – m.in. monitoring ptaków, kurtyny powietrzne zmniejszające hałas pod wodą i działania zapobiegające zakłóceniom życia morskiego.
Social acceptance and information activities surrounding investments
The Baltic Power investment is accompanied by a wide-ranging information campaign aimed at building social acceptance and countering disinformation. Investors are actively debunking myths, including those concerning the alleged use of old turbines or the negative impact of the farm on fishing. In reality, the turbines are new, and the project takes into account the interests of the fishing industry – it has implemented Shipowner compensation programme, whose activities have been restricted. An example of good cooperation with local communities is Łeba, where a service base is being built, creating jobs and long-term support for the region.
Baltic Power as a pillar of energy transformation
Baltic Power is a groundbreaking investment symbolising Poland's energy transformation. The wind power project combines climate, economic and social benefits, paving the way for the development of the entire offshore wind sector in Polish Baltic waters. It is also an important example of integrating Polish industry with the global offshore wind sector.
Author: Kamila Wirkus
