Project overview

Purpose

Energy consumption and affordable electricity are key drivers of economic growth. Increased production of renewable energy will bring down electricity prices for all consumers, contribute to nature conservation and ensure energy security. Estonia has set itself the objective of producing at least as much green energy as is consumed here by 2030. In order to achieve this objective, it is necessary to construct environmentally friendly power plants on a large scale, with offshore wind energy being a suitable technology for this. We can achieve a carbon-neutral economy through the use of renewable energy coupled with storage solutions.

Location and key figures

The offshore wind farm is designed to have a capacity of up to 1,100 MW and between 55 and 73 wind turbines, depending on turbine height and other technical specifications. Wind turbine technology is developing rapidly and, as a result, less turbines are needed to achieve the same total capacity.

The turbines and other equipment in the wind farm are interconnected by submarine cables. The onshore cables are located in the Tahkuna area. The placement of wind turbines and the final route of the transmission line will be determined based on the environmental impact assessment and technical studies.

Area covered by superficies licence: 174 km2
Choice of technology: to be specified during technical studies
Connection to the electricity network: Aulepa substation
Distance from Tahkuna Peninsula: 15 km
Distance from Kärdla: 16 km
Distance from Ristna: 12 km

Timeline

2006
Nelja Energia AS submitted an application for a permit for special use of water
2006
The Ministry of the Environment initiated the environmental impact assessment of the North-West Estonia Offshore Wind Farm
2007
Nelja Energia AS submitted the EIA programme to the Ministry of the Environment for approval
2010
Nelja Energia AS submitted an application for a superficies licence for the construction of an offshore wind farm
2016
The maritime spatial plan of Hiiumaa together with wind energy development areas was approved
2017
Hiiu rural municipality and Nelja Energia AS (now Enefit Green AS) signed a cooperation agreement
2017
Apollo and Neupokojev shoals were excluded from the development area
2018
The Supreme Court of Estonia annulled the wind energy development areas of the Hiiumaa maritime spatial plan
2018
The Ministry of the Environment did not approve the EIA report, further studies were carried out
2022
Draft plan of the technical solution of the offshore wind farm was completed
2022
Analysis of the marine areas of Hiiumaa commissioned by the Ministry of Finance
2023
Completion of EIA report
2026
Lifting of height restrictions
2027
Decision on wind farm construction
2029
Start of construction
2032
Start of electricity production

Cooperation

The offshore wind farm will create jobs in Hiiumaa both during the construction phase and throughout its operational lifetime. During the construction phase, both local construction and service enterprises will be involved in the process. The establishment of the Loode-Eesti offshore wind farm is projected to create approximately 300 new jobs during construction.

It is estimated that during the operational lifetime of the wind farm around 150 stable, long-term and high value-added jobs will be created in Hiiumaa in connection with the operation, maintenance and repair of wind turbines. Pärnumaa Vocational Education Centre offers training for wind turbine technicians as of December 2022.

In addition to jobs directly associated with wind turbine maintenance, new opportunities will also arise in indirectly affected areas. The wind farm will attract regular visits from specialists across different fields, create a new tourist attraction and develop new opportunities for aquaculture.

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