Baltic countries agreed to accelerate wind energy generation in 2020 and help increase the manufacturing sector in this field, according to WindEurope’s report on Friday.
WindEurope data proves the Baltic Sea holds incredible potential for offshore wind in Europe, and could host as much as 93 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, up from 2.2 GW today.
In September 2020, eight Baltic countries – Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia – signed a joint declaration with the European Commission?? to accelerate the build-out of new offshore wind in the region.
WindEurope suggests that the EU’s North Seas Energy Cooperation, which supports and facilitates the development of the offshore grid development and the large renewable energy potential in the region, could help these countries build on the successes of offshore wind in the North Sea, as well as the UK.
Poland has made headway in simplifying administrative procedures for the build-out of 5.9 GW of offshore wind in Polish waters by 2030 through adopting its Offshore Wind Bill at the end of November in 2020.
'The Bill is now at the end of the legislative process and is expected to become law as soon as January 2021,' the report said.
Estonia announced on Dec. 3 during WindEurope's annual event it along with Latvia would run a joint auction for their joint offshore wind farm in 2026.
'The plan is to create a hub where other projects in the region can join in. This allows for cost savings and for the electricity harvested in the sea to reach the right place, not just the closest point onshore,' WindEurope was quoted as saying.
In mid-December 2020, Germany and Denmark announced their intention to increase their cooperation on offshore wind and renewable hydrogen.
WindEurope explained that these developments will help provide clean and cheap electricity to countries around the Baltic Sea, while offshore wind will support the economic recovery of wider Central and Eastern Europe, ensuring long-term growth and jobs
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
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