Ignitis Renewables, an international green energy company, together with its strategic partner, Ocean Winds, will develop the first offshore wind project in Lithuania. This was announced by the National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC) after it finished the screening of the provisional winners regarding their compliance with national security interests.
It is estimated that the 700 megawatt (MW) wind farm, located in the Baltic Sea, could generate around 3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity per year. Following the NERC's announcement, Ignitis Renewables and partners must set up a joint company in Lithuania within a period of 3 months. The joint venture company will be responsible for managing and implementing the project. The company will be awarded the development and operation permit, granting the right to use the maritime area for electricity generation for 41 years. The maritime area in the Baltic Sea designated for the offshore wind farm is approximately 120 km2. It is at least 37 km away from the shore, and approximately 60 km away from the Port of Klaipėda. The depth at the maritime area ranges from 28 to 48 metres, and the average annual wind speed there is around 9–10 m/s. The number of wind turbines to be erected there will range from 35 to 50, with a maximum height of around 300–350 metres.
