Eolus and PNE join forces for Latvian offshore wind project
By:
Tom Russell
19/01/2023
Eolus
Eolus and PNE have created
a joint venture for developing the Kurzéme offshore wind project in Latvia.
The wind farm will have approximately 1,000 MW installed capacity with
planned commercial operation start before 2030.
The project area is located in the Baltic Sea outside the west coast of
Latvia and the wind farm will have potential to generate 4.5 TWh renewable
electricity per year. Eolus has conducted initial studies and developed
the project since 2020. As of 18 January, PNE has acquired 50 percent of
the shares in the project company SIA Kurzéme Offshore, which is now owned
50/50 by Eolus and PNE.
“We have been active in the Baltics for more than ten years and have a
solid project portfolio. We see great potential in the Baltic countries,
where we are now scaling up our business. PNE is an experienced and competent
offshore wind developer, and we look forward to cooperating with them in
the Kurzéme project. Together with Eolus’ strong development skills we
have great pre-requisites to make this a successful project”, said
Per Witalisson, CEO of Eolus.
“We are keen to bring in our long-term offshore wind experience and know-how
to this partnership. Jointly with Eolus as reliable partner, we expect
to develop the project successfully. The acquisition of the 50 percent
stake in SIA Kurzéme Offshore is a further step in our strategic development
in becoming a Clean Energy Solutions Provider. This expands our "pipeline"
of offshore wind projects to the Baltics. We see further attractive prospects
for our activities in this area and look forward to working with our new
partner" explained Markus Lesser, Chairman of the Board of Management
of PNE AG.
Application for the project has been submitted and surveys for the Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) will be conducted once research license is obtained.
The area is subject to an upcoming tender process.