The sole bid of 1,320,000 euros, which matched the auction"s starting price, secures the first floating offshore wind project in Estonia, a milestone in the country"s transition to clean energy.
Saare 1 Project Details
Figure: Excerpt from the map of surface licence applications for public water bodies from the Land Board"s Geoportal.
Located 60 km off the coast of Saaremaa Island, Saare 1 spans an area of 88 square kilometres with depths reaching up to 85 metres.These conditions provide the opportunity to integrate both floating and bottom-fixed wind turbine technologies, depending on the outcomes of environmental and technical studies.
According to Nicolas Paul-Dauphin, CEO of Oxan Energy, "Estonia has made significant strides in implementing offshore wind energy, including streamlined permitting, grid connections, and port infrastructure.
The project, developed in collaboration with financial advisory firm SNOW, will begin with an environmental impact assessment.
Expected to be operational by 2033, the wind farm will establish Estonia as a renewable energy leader in the Baltic region.
Estonia"s National Energy Plan Estonia"s National Energy Plan outlines ambitious goals to achieve 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, with a particular focus on offshore wind energy.The strategy aims to install at least 3,000 MW of offshore wind capacity in Estonian waters, underscoring the pivotal role of this technology in ensuring sustainability and energy independence in line with European Union climate commitments.
Impact on Estonia"s Energy Independence With an estimated capacity of 900 MW, Saare 1 will be crucial in helping Estonia achieve its goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.This initiative will not only strengthen the country"s energy independence but also boost its economy through job creation and the development of technological infrastructure.
Currently, Estonia"s offshore wind market is one of the most dynamic in the Baltic Sea region.
"We feel privileged to contribute to Estonia"s decarbonisation efforts and to strengthen our presence in Europe," says Paul-Dauphin.
"The Saare 1 project highlights Estonia"s commitment to decarbonisation and the energy transition," the CEO emphasises, noting that offshore wind energy is a key solution for diversifying Europe"s energy sources.
Moreover, the wind farm is expected to not only promote clean energy generation but also drive local economic growth through job creation and associated infrastructure development.
Cutting-edge Technology for the Baltic Region Saare 1 stands out for its use of floating wind turbine technology, enabling energy generation in deeper maritime zones with higher wind potential.Final decisions on the park"s design will follow comprehensive environmental studies to ensure long-term viability and sustainability.
The Saare 1 wind farm represents a significant step forward not only for Estonia but also as a model for global energy transition.
The project strengthens the Baltic Sea region"s position as a renewable energy hub and sets a precedent for countries pursuing sustainable and energy-independent futures.
Oxan Energy: A Leader in Marine Renewables Established in 2023 and headquartered in France, Oxan Energy specialises in marine renewable energy projects.With over 15 years of experience in floating wind technology, the company collaborates with strategic partners like SNOW to ensure the success of innovative projects such as Saare 1.