The Latvian research site of the joint Latvian-Estonian offshore wind farm project "Elwind" will be moved 7 kilometers further offshore at the initiative of the residents, the research site will cover an area of ​​200 square kilometers.

The research site was approved by the government on Tuesday, February 18, and the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) will assess the possibilities of installing a wind farm in this area, the LIAA informed. "Elwind" is a joint Latvian-Estonian cross-border project with the aim of developing two offshore wind energy areas - one in Latvia and one in Estonia - and creating the fourth electricity interconnection between Latvia and Estonia, promoting energy security in the region and the use of renewable resources for electricity production.

Taking into account the findings of the LIFE REEF research project, the initially selected research area has been moved more than 7 kilometers further out to sea, reducing biodiversity risks and avoiding overlap with an area that could be designated as a marine protected area in the future.

This is also an additional step, as the visual impact is significantly reduced, considering that the new Elwind project research area will be located 22 kilometers from Pāvilosta and 31 kilometers from Jūrkalne.

"The selection of the area for the Elwind offshore wind farm is a complex process, taking into account the wind farm research areas, shipping lanes and biodiversity research areas specified in the Marine Spatial Plan. However, we are pleased that we have managed to balance both energy and nature conservation interests, as a result of which the entire society, especially coastal residents, benefits," said Jānis Ločmelis, Head of the Elwind Project Department at the Latvian Investment and Development Agency, in a statement to the media.

Currently, LIAA, together with its partner, the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre, is actively working on the procurement of studies for the Elwind project. The bids received for the bird study and bat study are already being evaluated, and a number of other research procurements have been announced – seal study, meteorology, geology, unexploded ordnance and archaeology studies.

In total, more than 20 different studies need to be conducted, which will be completed in 2028 and will provide data on the suitability of the territory for the construction of an offshore wind farm.