Northland Power Inc. will implement a wind farm in the Baltic Sea in cooperation with PKN Orlen

The implementation of the project, from a very early stage, involved the Toronto office of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, which was contacted by representatives of Northland Power interested in the developing offshore wind energy market in Poland.

In our daily activities, we support Polish companies in their foreign expansion. But also, a large part of our work is focused on promoting Poland as an attractive place for investment. We met representatives of Northland Power many times, we provided the company with comprehensive information on the Polish economy, the renewable energy sector, Government programs and special economic zones. We are all the more pleased that the project to build a wind farm on the Baltic Sea and the cooperation between Northland Power and PKN Orlen have become a fact - says Zack Labieniec, head PAIH’s Toronto office.

Northland Power Inc. concluded an agreement with PKN ORLEN for the purchase of 49% of the shares (subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities) in the Baltic Power offshore wind energy project on the Baltic Sea, with a total capacity of up to 1.2 GW. Baltic Power will be located approximately 23 km from the Polish coast. Northland plans to invest PLN 290 million in the development of the project this year. Part of this amount is development expenditure.

We are pleased that our cooperation with PAIH has contributed to the expansion of our presence in Europe through our partnership with PKN ORLEN on the Baltic Power offshore wind energy project. More importantly, we are excited to further contribute to the global decarbonization transition by helping Poland fulfill its renewable energy ambitions - said David Timm, Senior Director, Global Head of Public Affairs, Northland Power.

Northland Power is a global power producer specializing in the production of electricity from clean, renewable sources. Founded in 1987, the Canadian company is a world leader in offshore wind energy. Northland owns and operates a diversified blend of generation, including onshore renewable energy, solar energy and efficient natural gas energy.

- The Baltic Power project will positively influence the perception of Poland as the leading investment destination in the region. This will not only contribute to an immediate growth in employment, but will also encourage other North American companies to seriously consider Poland as part of their long-term investment strategy - says Romi Jaszczynski, Business Development Manager, PAIH Toronto.

- We are very pleased to welcome Northland Power to Poland. Cooperation with PKN Orlen in the field of development of the Baltic Power offshore wind project is special, because it brings with it the possibility of fulfilling Poland's ambitions in the field of switching to renewable energy sources. Both Canada and the EU have committed themselves to the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement and carbon neutrality by 2050. We are active in this field internationally and we continue to do so under CETA. I look forward to the full ratification of CETA by all EU Member States, which will not only increase trade between Canada and Poland, but also increase investor confidence, leading to greater opportunities for joint economic growth - said Leslie Scanlon, Canada's Ambassador to Poland.

Along with the further economic development, the demand for electricity in Poland will systematically grow in the coming decades. In addition, the draft Polish energy policy, provides for the need to add 10 to 12 GW of offshore wind energy and an additional 15 GW of solar capacity by 2040. Orlen and Northland Power’s joint investment, opens the way for Poland to develop offshore wind energy and gain the position of a regional leader in energy transformation over the next decade.

About Polish Investment and Trade Agency

The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) is an advisory institution supervised by the Ministry of Labor and Technology Development. The agency is also one of the entities belonging to the Polish Development Fund Group (PFR). It is the first point of contact for exporters and investors. It operates both in Poland and through offices around the world. It strengthens the recognition of Polish brands on international markets, promotes domestic products and services as well as technological solutions created and/or made in Poland. The agency helps entrepreneurs choose their optimal expansion path abroad. It also supports the inflow of direct foreign investments to Poland and the implementation of Polish investments in the country.