ELWIND Study to Model Currents and Water Quality at Estonian Wind Farm

18 September 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

The aim of the procurement is to develop a hydrodynamic model for the Estonian offshore wind farm area of ELWIND and use it to assess the potential impacts of the planned offshore wind farm on the marine environment. The study will provide important input for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Estonian ELWIND area and the further development of the project.

The study will model, among other aspects, changes in currents, waves, wind conditions, and vertical mixing of the water column, and assess their potential impacts on the marine environment. It will also assess the dispersion and deposition of suspended matter generated during construction activities, as well as the potential release and dispersion of nutrients and hazardous substances.

During the operational phase of the offshore wind farm, potential changes in the biogeochemical properties and water quality of seawater will be assessed, including changes in chlorophyll, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and oxygen concentrations. In addition, the potential dispersion and impacts of an oil spill will be modeled.

The study area covers approximately 158 km² of the ELWIND Estonian offshore wind farm area, approximately 18.23 km² of the cable corridor connecting the wind farm area to the mainland, and their surrounding areas.

The results of the study will be used in the EIA process for the Estonian ELWIND area, including the assessment of different development alternatives and potential cumulative impacts, as well as the development of measures to reduce environmental impacts.