Estonia has scheduled dates for its inaugural offshore wind auctions, as disclosed by the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (CPTRA). The auctions will focus on the development of wind farms in two designated areas, namely Liivi 1 and Liivi 2.
Seven companies and consortia, including Utilitas Wind, Liivi Offshore, Aker Offshore Wind Europe, Viru Keemia Grupp, Sunly Wind, and Edel Offshore Wind, along with UAB Ignitis Renewables Projektai 6, have received approval from the CPTRA to participate in these auctions.
The online auctions are set to occur on specific dates. The auction for the Liivi 2 area is scheduled from 7 December 2023 to 13 December 2023, while the Liivi 1 auction will transpire from 11 January 2024 to 17 January 2024. Both Liivi 1 and Liivi 2 are situated northwest of Ruhnu island, with Liivi 1 covering an area of 77.7 km² and commencing with a starting price of €1,165,500 (US$1,243,100). Liivi 2, encompassing 114.9 km², will start with a price of €1,723,500. Bidders are required to adhere to a minimum bid increment of €50,000.
Prospective bidders must formally apply for participation with the CPTRA and submit a deposit of €23,310 for Liivi 1 and €34,470 for Liivi 2. The selection of auction winners will be based on price. Following the announcement of successful bids, the winners will obtain licenses, and an environmental impact assessment will commence within 90 days. Developers are obliged to present their environmental impact assessment programs to the CPTRA within 18 months, followed by an environmental impact assessment report 24 months after the validation of the assessment program.
