The project, based on applications for a superficies licence originally submitted by Liivi Offshore OÜ's predecessor, Eesti Energia AS (public limited company), on 5 January 2021, involves the installation of up to 140 wind turbines on area 1 and area 2 located south of Kihnu Island. The total height of the turbines from sea level will be up to 300 metres, with a nominal power capacity of up to 20 MW each. According to the joint area application, the potential total power output of the offshore wind farm could reach up to 2010 MW. The combined area for the proposed project covers 168.08 km2. A decision has been made to merge the superficies licence proceedings for areas 1 and 2 into a single procedure.
Following the initiation of the superficies licence proceedings and environmental impact assessment, the developer, Liivi Offshore OÜ, will begin preparing an environmental impact assessment programme. This programme will outline, among other things, the methodology to be used for the environmental impact assessment, including details of any the studies necessary for this assessment.
Liivi Offshore OÜ must submit an environmental impact assessment programme to the CPTRA within 18 months and an environmental impact assessment report within 24 months after the decision to approve the environmental impact assessment programme as meeting the requirements. Once the report is approved as meeting the requirements, the superficies licence can be issued, and then the developer can begin applying for a building permit after completing the design work.
CPTRA is responsible for processing applications for superficies licences and issuing building and operating permits for offshore wind farms. At present, CPTRA has announced the winners of four sea area tenders and has initiated the superficies licence proceedings and environmental impact assessment for offshore wind farms nine times. CPTRA is committed to ensuring that offshore wind farms are built in an environmentally friendly manner and in compliance with all construction regulations.
Excerpt from the application by Liivi Offshore OÜ for areas 1 and 2 and the same applicant's request for an offshore wind farm in the Gulf of Riga from the map application for the Land Board’s public waters building permits.
