Estonia’s CPTRA Announces Qualified Developers for Saare 1 Wind Energy Auction
Estonia’s Consumer Protection and Technical Supervision Authority (CPTRA) has identified three potential developers for the upcoming wind energy auction in the Saare 1 area, with a focus on building a floating windfarm. The qualified developers include CI Estonia Wind GmbH & Co KG, OÜ Utilitas Wind in Estonia, and Oxan Energy from France. The auction is set to commence on January 21, 2025, with a completion date of January 23, 2025.
Saare 1 Auction Relaunched After Previous Attempt Failed
The CPTRA’s decision to relaunch the Saare 1 auction comes after a previous tender for an offshore windfarm development in the area failed to attract any bids. Located approximately 60 km west of Saaremaa, the Saare 1 area encompasses water depths ranging from 42 m to 85 m, covering an area of 88 km2 with a potential capacity of around 900 MW.
Oxan Energy Plans to Bid for Floating Windfarm
Oxan Energy has confirmed its intention to bid for the construction of a floating windfarm in the Saare 1 area. A spokesperson for the company highlighted that 90% of the zone consists of water depths exceeding 60 m, making a floating offshore windfarm the most viable solution. The company, led by CEO Nicolas Paul-Dauphin, boasts expertise in floating offshore wind, with Paul-Dauphin’s background at EOLFI in France contributing to his extensive experience in the sector.
Different Approaches by Qualified Developers
While Oxan Energy is focused on a floating windfarm, CI Estonia Wind and OÜ Utilitas Wind have yet to confirm their preferred approach, whether fixed-bottom or floating. However, given the water depths in the area, a floating project may be the most suitable option for these developers as well.
Expertise in Previous Auctions
In recent auctions, such as the Saare 2.1 area, Deep Wind Offshore emerged as the sole bidder and winner of the auction. In a separate auction, a consortium comprising Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Ignitis Renewables secured the rights to develop an offshore windfarm in the Liivi 2 sea area.
With the upcoming Saare 1 wind energy auction, the focus on floating windfarms reflects a growing trend towards innovative solutions in renewable energy development. As Estonia continues to expand its offshore wind capabilities, the participation of diverse developers signals a promising future for sustainable energy initiatives in the region.