Due to the additional approval phase, the initial schedule for the plan will be pushed back somewhat. According to the new plan, the basic solution will be on public display in June, followed by discussions at the end of the summer.
Why is an electrical connection needed?
An offshore wind farm with a capacity of up to 1,000 MW is being built in the Gulf of Riga. This means that it will produce up to half of Estonia's current electricity needs. In order for the produced green energy to reach all of us, it must be brought to land using electrical connections and connected to the existing transmission grid.
Renewable energy
Wind energy makes a significant contribution to our electricity production. In addition to onshore wind farms, we are also introducing more productive offshore wind farms. Green wind energy helps us get rid of fossil fuels, preserve nature, and strengthen Estonia's energy security.
Better security of supply
In the offshore wind farm, we will be able to produce more and more stable electricity than before. This will improve Estonia's security of supply and energy security. Since wind energy is one of the cheapest forms of production, it will also make the price of electricity more affordable.
Electricity deficit becomes surplus
According to the National Energy and Climate Plan, the share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption must be at least 65% by 2030. According to the plan, renewable electricity will account for 9.4TWh. Both onshore and offshore wind farms are needed to achieve this goal. Electricity that exceeds domestic electricity needs can be exported. Also read the position of the Government of the Republic on renewable energy.
Planning area
The planning area is approximately 5400 km2 and currently includes the Gulf of Riga and Pärnu, and on land the municipalities of Häädemeeste, Tori, Kihnu and Saarde and the city of Pärnu.
Since a state special plan is always initially initiated on a larger area than is needed for the actual solution, the affected persons will become clear later when a more precise location selection is made.
We have now reached the stage of outlining the initial connection routes. Connections in the Sindi and Kilingi-Nõmme directions are under consideration. Initial location options for the electricity connections have been outlined, along with a buffer zone, within which the location of the electricity connection will be specified if necessary based on the results of the impact assessment and feedback from local residents. The location of the electricity connection route corridor will be decided by the government, taking into account the cooperation with communities and the results of the impact assessment, presumably in 2026.
Stages of the Project
In the ongoing site selection stage, possible location options are outlined, impacts are assessed, including the necessary analyses and studies. By the end of the stage, the goal is to find a suitable location for planning the electricity connections of the Gulf of Riga offshore wind farm.
The goal of preparing the plan is to apply Section 271 of the Planning Act, i.e. to establish a NSP based on the site selection decision. If circumstances arise during the planning procedure that make it impossible to abandon the preparation of a detailed solution, a detailed planning solution will be prepared for a suitable location.
Balancing interests
The NSP must be based on national interests, taking into account local interests and needs, where possible. During the planning process, we balance different interests, weigh them according to the planning principles and planning objectives, and integrate them into the planning solution. This is ensured, among other things, by effectively involving the public and interested parties in the decision-making process.
Contacts
Project manager
Anne Martin
[email protected]
+372 5802 3933
Media contact
Geili Heinmaa
[email protected]
+372 5850 3951
Last updated: 17.03.2026
