Equinor and Poleneria’s Supplier Day brings together global and local companies for the offshore wind industry

Dozens of Polish companies interested in participating in the implementation of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms took part in the Supplier's Day held in Gdansk. The event was organized by Equinor and Polenergia, which jointly implement the Bałtyk offshore wind farm projects, as well as major suppliers of inter-array and export cables. The purpose of the Supplier's Day is to get Polish contractors into the offshore wind market and integrate them into the global supply chain.

The event held in Gdansk was aimed at Polish companies that can become partners of the main suppliers and contractors of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects in terms of infrastructure for power derivation from offshore wind farms. The main suppliers for both projects are the companies Seaway7, Jan De Nul and Hellenic Cables, which will be responsible for the design, manufacture, supply and installation of inter-array cables and export cables, as well as Visser & Smit Hanab, which is responsible for drilling in the landfall area for both projects.

– The Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms will play a huge role in Poland's energy transition. However, our ambition is not only to put both investments into operation, but also to maximize the participation of Polish contractors in the process of their construction and operation. The development of offshore wind energy is a great opportunity for Polish companies, which is why we have once again organized a Supplier's Day. The model we have adopted of bringing together Polish and global companies is well received. Entrepreneurs highly value the possibility of direct contact and talks, which bring them practical knowledge and concrete answers to their questions and doubts, and main contractors - recognition of the local market and creation of a base of future contractors, – emphasizes Marta Porzuczek, Director of the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Department at Polenergia Group.

Among other things, the event's participants were able to learn about the investment schedule, competencies sought, innovations and current standards and requirements for suppliers. Entrepreneurs learned which companies are in demand, how to apply, and what conditions must be met to get into the pool of potential suppliers and participate in the process of offshore wind energy development in Poland. During individual thematic sessions, they had the opportunity to talk to representatives of Seaway7, Jan De Nul, Hellenic Cables, and Visser & Smit Hanab about specific purchasing packages.

– We are pleased to see so much interest in participating in the Bałtyk offshore wind farm projects. We are committed to involving Polish entrepreneurs as much as possible in the development of the domestic offshore wind sector. In many areas, local companies have enough potential, advanced technology and qualified personnel to participate in our projects. Both at the stage of construction and subsequent operation and maintenance. The Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects are entering a crucial phase. We already have a set of permits and are preparing to start construction work. Another Supplier's Day allowed Polish companies to present their potential in offshore wind energy, – says Andrzej Popadiuk, Stakeholder Manager, Equinor Poland.

The Supplier's Day, which focused on inter-array and export cable contractors, is another such event organized by Equinor and Polenergia. Previous meetings were held with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, a supplier of turbine generators, and Hitachi Energy, a major supplier and contractor of power infrastructure for the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects.

About Bałtyk projects

The offshore wind farm projects Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 are being developed in the first phase of offshore wind energy development in Poland. The projects are located in the Polish exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea, between 22 and 37 kilometers from the coastline. The first energy from the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms is expected to flow into the grid as early as 2027, the commercial phase of their operation is planned from 2028.

In the next phase of offshore wind power development in Poland, Equinor and Polenergia are developing the Bałtyk 1 project, which will be 81 kilometers offshore. Bałtyk 1, with a capacity of up to 1560 MW, is the project of the largest wind farm in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea, which is being prepared for auction in 2025.

The three Bałtyk offshore wind farms has the potential to power more than 4 million Polish households with green energy.