- The Baltic Power wind farm has completed its first directional drill under the coastline in Lubiatowo, connecting the offshore site to the onshore substation.
- The project, utilising Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, will generate over 8,000 m³ of excavated material suitable for beach restoration.
- Once operational in 2026, Baltic Power will become Poland’s first offshore wind farm, supplying 3% of the country’s energy needs and reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 2.8 million tonnes annually.
The Baltic Power wind farm achieved a key milestone by completing its first directional drill under the coastline in the Lubiatowo area. This operation connects the offshore site to the onshore substation, enhancing Poland’s renewable energy landscape.
The initial drill forms part of four planned directional drills that pass through the coastline, beach, and seabed. Workers completed this segment without impacting ecologically sensitive areas. The 1.4 km tunnel will house power transmission cables, vital for linking the Baltic Power offshore wind farm to its onshore infrastructure. The team employed Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, marking its first large-scale use in Poland.
The completed section consists of four underground corridors for 30 cm diameter cables. Part of the drilling took place offshore, using divers and a jack-up rig to finish the underwater section. The project will generate over 8,000 m³ of excavated material. Studies by Baltic Power confirmed that the sand remains clean and suits beach restoration, aiding efforts to repair winter storm damage.
Jarosław Broda, a Baltic Power Management Board member, stated, “Progress on Baltic Power, our region’s largest renewable energy project, stays on schedule and advances well.” He added that the first drill has been completed, and work is ongoing to connect submarine cables to the offshore substations. This initiative remains unprecedented in Poland and differs from other European offshore wind projects.
Jens Poulsen, also a management board member, discussed the engineering challenges. He explained, “In Europe, shoreline crossing drills usually come shorter, and drill diameters shrink. We drill nearly 1.5 kilometres beneath the dunes, beach, and seabed while minimising environmental disruption.”
The team transports heavy equipment mainly at night to lessen inconvenience for residents and tourists. Vehicles travel at 10 km/h under escort to minimise disturbances. Local authorities agreed to keep the popular beach access path near the worksite open for tourists and cyclists.
Construction also progresses at the onshore substation about 8 km away in Osieki Lęborskie. This facility will receive energy from the Baltic Power wind farm and integrate it into the National Power Grid. The power line linking to the substation will also undergo underground installation. The onshore cable route will minimise environmental impact, avoiding areas of high ecological value. The onshore substation has reached over 40% completion, with full completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Baltic Power aims to become one of the first projects globally to install 15 MW wind turbines. The project will also represent the first use of a significant portion of turbine towers made from low-carbon steel. Once completed in 2026, Baltic Power will become the first Polish offshore wind farm operating in the Baltic Sea. The project expects to supply 3% of Poland’s energy needs while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 2.8 million tonnes annually.
The Baltic Power wind farm represents a significant advancement in Poland’s renewable energy sector, combining innovative technology with environmental stewardship. Its successful progress marks a promising step toward a sustainable energy future for the region.