Tusk says Poland to have some of Europe’s most powerful wind turbines
Poland will have some of the largest and most advanced wind turbines in Europe and worldwide, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday, adding that the investment would boost the country’s energy security.
Tusk said during his visit to the Baltic Power offshore wind farm in Leba, a collaborative initiative between Orlen and Canada's Northland Power, that the project had reached its halfway point in terms of foundations, with some turbines already in place.
"This is a massive investment capable of supplying energy to approximately 1.5 million households and brings us closer to complete energy security and independence," he said. He added that each turbine was taller than the Palace of Culture in Warsaw and that the farm's area was similar in size to the northern city of Gdynia.
Orlen said the 1.2-GW project was the most advanced offshore wind power investment in Polish Baltic waters and could meet up to three percent of the national demand next year. Installation began in January, and five 15-MW turbines, the largest available in Europe, have been completed. They were manufactured by Denmark's Vestas, with some components produced domestically.
Ireneusz Fafara, the CEO of Orlen, remarked: "Tomorrow's energy begins today - this is not merely a slogan. The first Polish offshore wind farm is becoming a reality." The company stated that offshore installation work was expected to be completed next year, with the launch planned for 2026.
Orlen and Northland Power formalised their partnership in 2021. The wind farm is expected to produce 4,000 GWh of zero-emission electricity annually, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by about 2.8 million tonnes a year compared to conventional energy sources.(PAP)
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