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Completion of Initial Onshore Connection for 1.2 GW Baltic Power Offshore Wind Farm in Poland

The first directional drill in Lubiatowo, Poland, is done, linking the 1.2 GW Baltic Power wind farm to the substation.
PKN Orlen Baltic Power drilling

The initial directional drill beneath the coastline, beach, and seabed in Lubiatowo, Poland, is complete, facilitating the connection of the 1.2 GW Baltic Power offshore wind farm to its onshore substation.

PKN Orlen, in collaboration with Canada’s Northland Power, announced that the first land connection for the Baltic Power offshore wind farm is finalized.

A 1.4-kilometre tunnel will contain power transmission cables, drilled using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology.

This tunnel is the first of four designed to accommodate 30-centimetre-diameter cables. The subsea and land cables will be provided by TELE-FONIKA Kable (TFK) and JDR Cable systems under a 2023 contract.

NKT will supply offshore export cables for the project, located 23 kilometres off the Polish coast in the Baltic Sea.

The drilling, partly offshore, involved divers and a jack-up rig to complete the underwater section, extracting over 8,000 cubic metres of spoil from the four drills.

“Progress on Baltic Power, the largest renewable energy project in our region, remains on schedule and is well underway. We have completed the first and are proceeding with further drilling for submarine cables connecting offshore substations to land. This is a pioneering project for Poland and stands out among European offshore wind initiatives,” stated Jarosław Broda, Baltic Power Management Board Member.

About eight kilometres away in Osieki Lęborskie, the onshore substation construction is in progress. This facility, along with the cable connection, will channel energy from the Baltic Power wind farm into the national grid, with the power line to the substation being underground.

Construction of the onshore substation is over 40% complete, targeting full completion by the fourth quarter of 2025, as noted by PKN Orlen. A GE and Enprom consortium is tasked with the design, construction, and delivery of substation components.

Baltic Power will be among the first European offshore projects to utilize Vestas’ new 15 MW wind turbine, previously only a prototype at the Østerild National test center in Denmark.

Operations are set to begin in late 2026, with Baltic Power expected to provide renewable energy to over 1.5 million Polish households.

Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024