Ocean Winds begins seabed survey for BC-Wind project off Poland

OW Ocean Winds Polska, part of the 50/50 joint venture of EDP Renewables (ELI:EDPR) and Engie SA (EPA:ENGI), said on Monday it has started geophysical and geotechnical surveys of the Baltic Sea bottom for its up to 399-MW BC-Wind project in Polish waters.

The survey, to be carried out by UK's Gardline Ltd, is needed for developing a detailed plan of the turbine foundations and an offshore substation as well as the design of the interconnection and export cables infrastructure. The research is to be completed in the third quarter, the company added.

BC-Wind will consist of up to 31 turbines of at least 13 MW each, located 23 km off the coastline, to the north of Krokowa and Choczewo municipalities in the Pomeranian province. The facility is designed to power over 720,000 households or businesses. Ocean Winds (OW) has selected the Baltic village of Wladyslawowo as a marine service base.

The wind farm is planned to start commercial operations in 2027. BC-Wind obtained location permits in 2012-2013, signed a grid connection agreement in 2021 and obtained the right to a Contract for Difference (CfD). Ocean Winds is now focusing on the technical features of the project and the local supply chain of direct and indirect contractors.

Madrid-based Ocean Winds was set up in 2019 when EDP Renewables and Engie combined in a joint venture their offshore wind assets, beginning with 1.5 GW under construction and 4 GW under development. Their aim is to reach in 2025 some 5 GW - 7 GW of projects in operation or construction and 5 GW -10 GW under advanced development. Ocean Winds' primary target markets are in Europe, the USA and some Asian countries, from where most of the growth is expected, according to its website.

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