Experts: Saare-Liivi development area is suitable for an offshore wind farm

Based on the results of thorough surveys carried out over two years in the initial development area of the Saare-Liivi offshore wind farm in the Gulf of Riga, an environmental impact assessment report has been prepared.

Taking into account the results on surveys and impact assessments, an area of ca 110 km2 suitable for an offshore wind farm was found in the 300 km2 initial study area. According to experts, the construction of a wind farm in the suitable area will not have a significant negative environmental impact if mitigation measures are used.

“As far as we know, and according to the Estonian Ornithological Society, the surveys carried out in our development area over two years were the most thorough that have been carried out in Estonian marine areas so far. The surveys revealed that the southern and northern parts of the initial development area are important resting and staging areas for seabirds. It is possible to place up to 80 wind turbines in a suitable area that emerged during the environmental impact assessment,” explained Kristiina Nauts, Head of Development in Utilitas Wind.

The environmental impact assessment was carried out by lead expert Riin Kutsar from OÜ Roheplaan. The environmental impact assessment working group included more than 20 experts from Estonia and abroad, including the Estonian Ornithological Society, the Estonian Marine Institute of the University of Tartu, TalTech, as well as international consulting companies such as WSP, BioConsult SH GmbH & Co. KG, R P S Group Limited, Ramboll, as well as Aarhus University.

The environmental impact assessment report was submitted to the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) at the beginning of February this year, and its public display begins on 17^th of April. The public discussion will take place on 29 April at the Kihnu Community Centre. Utilitas has repeatedly introduced the environmental impact assessment programme and the initial results of the studies to the local community in Kihnu.

Utilitas Wind will continue with the design activities so that the Saare-Liivi wind farm can produce environmentally friendly and affordable electricity that is lacking in the region. Last week, a cooperation agreement was signed with the Finnish wind energy service provider Arenso Oy, which is preparing a preliminary design for the offshore wind farm by this summer. This is an important input for applying for permits and planning further construction works.

The Saare-Liivi wind farm can be completed by 2030. This would help to significantly reduce Estonia’s dependence on imported electricity and lower the price of electricity. The project is co-funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. The full text of the environmental impact assessment report is available on the website of the Saare-Liivi wind farm.