Utilitas, an Estonian energy group, is building Saare-Liivi project, an offshore wind scheme with a first phase installed output of 1,200 MW. It has now hired Ramboll to conduct a pre-FEED study for the offshore wind farm. The project is planned to be built in the Gulf of Riga.
Ramboll will analyse the technical solutions for the Saare-Liivi project. This is as part of the study that will confirm the offshore wind farm’s technical and economic feasibility. It will also support the environmental impact assessment process. Surveys were already being conducted at the Saare-Liivi wind site in early September to identify sediment types and structures.
“With the first year of environmental studies soon to be completed, it is the right time to move forward with the development of technical solutions. This is as well as pinpointing the most optimal wind turbine generators and foundation types for the offshore wind farm. Work on taking lead-in data from the environmental studies into account will also be added,” said Liisa Mällo, Offshore Wind Development Manager at Utilitas Wind.
Read Also: Redevelopment to start at former Cavalry Barracks site in Hounslow, London
Projections for the Saare-Liivi offshore wind farm
Ramboll will determine the best wind turbines, foundation types, logistic solutions, port logistics. This is as well as other technical solutions under the contract with Utilitas. This contract is expected to be completed by January 2023.
The Danish engineering and consultancy firm will propose an electrical solution concept. This include the location and technical parameters of the cables, as well as the location and size of the substations.
Ports will play an important role in the development of the offshore wind farm. Thus, Ramboll will also examine the logistics of construction, as well as potential alternatives for construction, operation, and maintenance. Economic data and cost projections will also be included in the pre-FEED study.
The areas plan for the maritime area bordering Pärnu County, adopted in 2017, defined best areas for offshore wind farms in the Gulf of Riga.
Building permit for the wind farm
Utilitas applied for a building permit for the Saare-Liivi offshore wind farm in 2021. Thus, the Consumer Protection and Technical Supervision Agency (CPTRA), which looks after the state consent process, began the building permit procedure at the end of last year.
The company hopes to receive the necessary construction permits in 2025. Consequently, it will have the Saare-Liivi wind farm producing power by 2028, at the latest. Utilitas intends to install around 80 wind turbines with a total output of 1,200 MW and an annual electricity production of over 5 TWh in the first phase of development. This is according to the technical conditions issued by the transmission system operator.
