The Estonian Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) has announced that the licensing process for the Saare 7 offshore wind farm in the Western Baltic Sea near Saaremaa Island has been suspended. The decision was made after an auction held on June 10-12, 2025, in which neither of the two bidders, Sunly Wind OÜ and Utilitas Wind OÜ, met the qualification requirements.
Utilitas Wind submitted a bid in the auction but did not make the required security deposit, so the TTJA refused to grant the site. The reasons for Sunly Wind’s disqualification were not publicly disclosed. The Saare 7 area (158.9 km²) was an important element in achieving Estonia’s renewable energy targets, with the potential to generate between 552 MW and 2,000 MW.
Following the unsuccessful auction, the Saare 7 site remains open for new applications. If several suitable applications are received, the TTJA may organize a new auction.
Although this case clearly demonstrates the importance of strict financial and technical requirements, Estonia continues to actively implement its offshore wind development roadmap and has already attracted international investors in other auctions. The country’s goal is to ensure 100% renewable electricity by 2030, while also developing the necessary network infrastructure and improving regulation.
Sources: BalticWind.EU, 14.07.2025.; Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA)