Summer activities of the Bałtyk projects support the promotion of Pomerania

This summer, the Bałtyk offshore wind projects, developed by Equinor and Polenergia, once again took part in events organised in the municipalities of  Redzikowo and Łeba, combining attractions for local residents and tourists with opportunities to learn more about offshore wind energy. The Bałtyk project stands complemented local event programmes, supported the promotion of the region, and, at the same time, provided an opportunity to learn more about energy investments that are of major importance to Poland and Pomerania and are being developed in the Baltic Sea.

Events organised across the region are an important part of Equinor and Polenergia’s ongoing dialogue with local communities. In this way, the companies maintain regular communication with residents of the municipalities where subsequent stages of the projects are being carried out, both offshore and onshore. An operations and maintenance base is being developed in Łeba to support the operation of the offshore wind farms, while grid connection infrastructure is being expanded in the municipalities of Ustka and Redzikowo. This year’s events took place at a particularly significant stage for the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects. In August, the installation of the foundations for the two wind farms was completed, marking an important milestone in the offshore installation campaign.

– As energy investments in Poland progress and the Bałtyk projects reach further milestones, interest in offshore wind energy continues to grow. During our meetings, residents and tourists often ask what the wind farms will look like, how tall the turbines will be, how far from the shore they will be located, and how much energy they will generate – says Andrzej Popadiuk, Stakeholder Manager at Equinor Poland.

Discussions about offshore wind energy were accompanied by family-oriented activities that helped participants better understand the projects under development and their importance by combining education with entertainment. At the beginning of the summer, the Bałtyk projects supported the local community picnics in Duninowo and Lędowo by hosting creative workshops. During the 4th Łeba Fish and Regional Products Festival, participants could take part in a prize competition, decorate their own bags with maritime-themed designs, or create “the Baltic Sea in a jar” using natural materials collected from the local coastal area.

Źródło/Source: Equinor & Polenergia

A special highlight of the summer programme was the 11th International Kite Festival in Łeba, where the Bałtyk projects were represented for the first time. In cooperation with the Łeba Sailing Club, the programme included windsurfing workshops and activities focused on water safety. On the second day of the festival, participants used VR headsets and first-aid training manikins to practise providing first aid, learn how to control bleeding, and to respond to choking incidents. The aim of Equinor and Polenergia was to combine active recreation by the water with safety education, which is also one of the priorities in the day-to-day implementation of the Bałtyk projects.

Źródło/Source: Equinor & Polenergia

– Taking part in regional events gives us an opportunity to engage directly with residents and tourists, while it is also a way of actively contributing to the life of the region. The activities prepared at the Bałtyk project stands enrich local event programmes and support the promotion of Pomerania and create a space to talk about the Bałtyk projects. We want to be present wherever local communities come together, listen to their questions and opinions, and share up-to-date information about the projects – says Marta Porzuczek, Director of Environmental Protection and Sustainability and ESG Coordinator at Polenergia Group.

The summer series of events involving Equinor and Polenergia concluded with the County and Municipal Harvest Festival of Słupsk County, held in Swołowo on the first weekend of September. The project stand provided local residents with an opportunity to receive the latest information on construction progress, ask questions, and share their feedback. Competitions and arts and crafts activities were especially popular with visitors.

Źródło/Source: Equinor & Polenergia

Once operational, the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms will generate electricity equivalent to the annual demand of more than 2 million households. First power from the projects is expected in 2027, with full commissioning of the wind farms planned for 2028.