Baltic Power Energized: National Grid Gains New Source Amid Security Scrutiny

Poland’s Baltic Power offshore wind farm has successfully delivered its first electricity to the national grid, marking a strategic energy milestone even as authorities investigate reports involving foreign personnel.

First Power on the Baltic Sea

The offshore wind farm has reached its “First Power” phase, signaling the synchronization of the first turbine with the national electrical grid. Currently, 54 of the planned 76 turbines have been installed, with the overall installation campaign now exceeding 80 percent completion.

Located 23 km off the coast near Choczewo and Łeba, the farm will ultimately provide 1.2 GW of capacity. This output is expected to cover approximately 3 percent of Poland’s current energy demand, meeting the needs of 1.5 million households.

Economic Impact and Investment Goals

The project represents a massive capital injection into the national supply chain, with Orlen reporting a total investment program reaching up to 380 billion PLN. Beyond energy security, the project aims to develop long-term industrial competencies within Poland.

Orlen CEO Ireneusz Fąfara stated that the investment is designed to operate for decades, providing a sustainable energy source and a lasting impulse for the development of the domestic economy.

Security Verification of Offshore Personnel

Success has been accompanied by a security check following reports of an anonymous tip regarding the crew of a vessel supporting construction. The Internal Security Agency (ABW) initiated a counterintelligence verification regarding a four-person technical crew.

The crew included two Russian citizens, one of whom also held Bulgarian citizenship, alongside a Polish and a Ukrainian national. Investors and contractors maintain that all personnel undergo rigorous security vetting, and officials have not confirmed any evidence of sabotage or illegal activity.

Final Administrative Stages

Onshore infrastructure and service facilities are already operational, with over 100 vessels and 5,300 personnel engaged in the project. The construction phase is scheduled to conclude in the autumn of this year.

Before achieving full commercial operation, the farm must pass performance inspections, receive independent certification, and obtain an electricity generation license from the Energy Regulatory Office (URE).