Baltic Power obtains first Design Conformity Certificates for an offshore wind farm in Poland

The Baltic Power project, a joint venture between ORLEN and Northland Power, has obtained the first Design Conformity Certificates for its turbines and offshore substations, issued by DNV. This achievement marks a significant step forward not only for the project itself but also for Poland's offshore wind industry. These certificates are crucial for the construction and subsequent operation of the offshore wind farm, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and technical standards.

Under the Act on Maritime Safety and the Act on the Promotion of Electricity Generation from Offshore Wind Farms, investors are required to present such certificates before construction begins. The objective of project certification is to limit project risks in different phases of the project. The certificates provide evidence to stakeholders that the windfarm is designed, constructed and can operate safely by fulfilling the applicable requirements. Without these approvals, the wind farm construction cannot be commenced.

Construction of an offshore wind farm is executed not only at the construction site, but also on an administrative level. Completing the design evaluation phase is not just an administrative accomplishment; it represents months of intensive engineering work. These certificates are not only an administrative success but also a historic step for offshore wind energy in Poland. We are proud to be the first offshore wind farm project in Poland to have successfully completed this process - says Jens Poulsen, Project Director and Board Member, Baltic Power.

The design conformity certificates, issued by DNV - an independent energy expert and assurance provider, authorized by the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure - are verifying that the construction designs of the wind turbines and the offshore substations are in compliance with international codes and standards and are suitable to perform under local conditions over the entire design lifetime of the offshore wind farm. They were issued prior the installation of the first monopile.

We are now looking forward to progressing through the construction phase, during which DNV will oversee the fabrication, installation and commissioning of the offshore wind farm to ensure  all activities are carried out in accordance with the requirements. The evidence of compliance will be documented in the Entry into Service Certificate which we expect in 2026 and a full Project Certificate following the completion of the offshore wind farm construction phase - adds Bennet Moeller, Engineering Design Package Manager at Baltic Power.

The Baltic Power offshore wind farm is the most advanced offshore wind project in Poland and the first one to have reached the construction phase. In 2023, the project received a final investment decision (FID) as well as financing from 25 international institutions. Both, onshore and offshore installarions are underway at the moment. Baltic Power will be among the world’s first projects to install 15 MW wind turbines and the first Polish offshore wind farm operating in the Baltic Sea, with a scheduled completion by 2026. Generating approximately 4,000 GWh of zero-emission electricity annually, Baltic Power aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 2.8 million tons per year compared to conventional energy sources.