The Government of Estonia has approved a draft decision to issue the country’s first building permit for an offshore wind farm. The permit will be granted to Saare Wind Energy, which plans to develop a project off the west coast of Saaremaa.
The permit covers the construction of an offshore wind farm of up to 100 turbines, located at least 11 kilometres from shore, with a planned capacity of up to 1,400 MW. Electricity generation is expected to begin in the early 2030s. The permit is valid for 50 years and includes associated infrastructure.
It allows Saare Wind Energy to proceed with further permitting steps, including applications for a construction permit from the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority, and a special water use permit from the Environmental Board. A construction permit must be applied for within two years of the building permit being issued and is typically valid for five years. An operating permit will also be required. Environmental mitigation measures are specified in the building permit.
The permit does not imply any state financial support. It is a regulatory requirement for development irrespective of subsidy arrangements.
Estonia is currently reviewing 11 other building permit applications for offshore wind, submitted by Utilitas Wind, Five Wind Energy, Tuuletraal, Ignitis Renewables, Liivi Offshore, the Environmental Investment Centre Foundation (ELWIND), and Tuul Energy.
