The Estonian-Latvian Offshore Wind Project: Geophysical Survey Services Tender Launched

The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has announced the launch of a tender seeking geophysical survey services for the Estonian-Latvian cross-border offshore wind project, ELWIND.

The tender submission date is June 27, with the ELWIND offshore wind project scheduled to take place from August 15, 2025, to March 31, 2027.

Survey Objectives

The primary goal of the geophysical survey is to enhance the understanding of the geological characteristics of the wind farm areas. This involves collecting and analyzing geophysical data to develop a comprehensive ground model for determining the design and installation requirements of the project.

The survey will map all seabed features, including natural objects like boulders and artificial elements such as wrecks, debris, existing cables, pipelines, and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Seismic data will be utilized to identify potential shallow geohazards that could impact the placement of wind turbines in the survey area and describe the key horizons of the geological formation of the sites.

Project Impact

The ELWIND project aims to develop offshore wind sites in Latvian and Estonian territories while establishing the fourth electricity interconnection between the two countries. Estonia and Latvia collectively consume about 16 TWh of electricity annually, with ELWIND expected to supply approximately 3 TWh per year.

Conclusion

The geophysical survey services tender for the Estonian-Latvian offshore wind project marks a significant step towards the development of renewable energy resources in the region. By better understanding the geological characteristics of the wind farm areas, the project can progress towards its goal of establishing a sustainable electricity interconnection between Estonia and Latvia.