The main goal of the project is to
create conditions for effective development of wind energy
production in the Baltic Sea coastal zones of three neighbouring
countries: Lithuania, Russia and Poland. Use of renewable energy
sources, including wind, is an important component of sustainable
development of these regions, which may result in measurable
positive economic, ecological and social effects. This objective
should be achieved by attracting potential investors by means of
the project's main product - map of optimum locations for offshore
wind farms, especially focused on principles of sustainable
development, including preservation of nature values in marine
cross-border areas. The map, with proposals for connecting
produced power into a combined power systems of three neighbouring
countries should effectively reduce the economical risk of
building offshore wind farms.
The first stage of the project will
focus on studies leading to the delimitation of areas fulfilling
environmental and technical requirements of wind farm construction
(bathymetry, geological and hydro-meteorological conditions). A
parallel study on possible connections to existing power network
systems will be conducted. The possibility of interconnection of
Lithuanian, Polish and Russian power networks with high capacity
links will be analysed (including evaluation of existing and
planned connections to Sweden). The next step will be the analysis
of potential use conflicts (Natura 2000 areas, mining licenses,
military areas, navigation routes, submerged cables and pipelines,
fishing grounds, etc.), which significantly limit areas suitable
for offshore wind farm development.
The second stage of the project
will consist mainly of an economic feasibility study, taking into
account local meteorological potential for wind power production.
The direct product of this study will be a map showing areas with
lowest economical risk for both construction and operation of wind
farms. A workshop promoting the map amongst potential investors
will be organized. An important action during this stage is
development of multi-lingual brochures discussing in a popular way
the main aspects and advantages of offshore wind energy production.
The third stage of the project
consists of pilot studies in chosen three areas (one in each
country represented in the project). The pilot studies will
include supplementing environmental surveys (bathymetry, geology
and natural resources) and development of model EIA of potential
wind farms. Cross border impact of each of three selected
simulated pilot wind farms will be evaluated and legal procedure
framework for application for construction permits will be shown
according to legal frameworks in all the three countries.
Results of the project will be
disseminated to the public through publications and Internet
presentation. The project will end with final workshops in each of
the countries, aimed at of training local and central authorities
and agencies involved in decision making processes leading to
building permits for offshore wind farms.
The project should significantly
help to achieve the renewable energy targets stated in the
accession treaties of Poland and Lithuania.
Besides, it is obvious that
co-operation at the variety of levels, ranging through local,
regional and central authorities, industry associations and
research organisations, started within the project, will result in
a better understanding among partners from participating regions.
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