Translated using ChatGPT service.
On February 18, 2025, during a Cabinet of Ministers meeting, a 200 km² area in the sea was designated for research by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) for the ELWIND offshore wind park.
This is a joint cross-border project between Latvia and Estonia, aimed at developing two offshore wind energy areas—one in Latvian territory and one in Estonian territory—and establishing the fourth electricity interconnection between Latvia and Estonia. The project seeks to enhance energy security in the region and promote the use of renewable resources for electricity production.
Taking into account the information obtained from the LIFE REEF project conducted by the Nature Conservation Agency for the study of marine protected habitats on Alku Bank, the initially selected research area for the ELWIND offshore wind park has been moved more than 7 kilometers further into the sea. This relocation reduces biodiversity risks and prevents overlap with an area that may be designated as a protected marine territory in the future. Additionally, this change benefits local municipalities and residents by significantly reducing the visual impact, as the new ELWIND project research area will be located 22 kilometers from Pāvilosta and 31 kilometers from Jūrkalne.
The selection of the ELWIND offshore wind park area is a complex process, considering the wind park research zones designated in the Marine Spatial Plan, shipping routes, and biodiversity research areas. However, we are pleased that we have managed to balance both energy and nature conservation interests, resulting in benefits for the entire society, particularly for coastal residents,” emphasizes Jānis Ločmelis, Head of the ELWIND Project Department at the Latvian Investment and Development Agency.
Image: ELWIND project research area.
Currently, LIAA, together with its partner, the Estonian Environmental Investment Center, is actively working on procurement for ELWIND project studies. Proposals have already been evaluated for bird and bat studies, and several other research procurements have been announced, including seal studies, meteorology, geology, unexploded ordnance, and archaeological research. In total, more than 20 different studies must be conducted, which will be completed by 2028, providing data on the suitability of the area for the development of an offshore wind park.
About ELWIND
ELWIND is a cross-border project between Latvia and Estonia for the construction of an offshore wind park in the Baltic Sea. It is an ambitious and environmentally friendly renewable energy project, with the combined capacity of both parks reaching up to 2 GW. This will increase the region’s energy independence and security while maintaining reasonable energy prices, thereby reducing costs for businesses and households. Additionally, it will create new business opportunities. ELWIND will help bridge the gap in large-scale local renewable energy production and improve the functioning of the open energy market. The offshore wind park is planned to be built and operational by 2035.
The pre-development phase of the ELWIND project will conclude in 2028 with a planned auction, where the rights to use the offshore wind energy area will be granted to a qualified developer. The ELWIND project is being implemented by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) and the Estonian Environmental Investment Center (KIK), in cooperation with the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Climate of the Republic of Estonia.
Prepared by:
LIAA International Marketing and Communications Department
Email: prese@liaa.gov.lv
Phone: 29725674