The Estonian government has decided not to issue a building permit for the 600 MW Saaremaa offshore wind project in the Baltic Sea, citing national security concerns. The government fears that funding for the project may come from Russia or any other hostile country, even though the project developer has dismissed the claim, saying that the proposed financing offers came from investors based in Germany and the United Kingdom. The decision is likely to be challenged in court.
The project, developed by Saare Wind Energy, a special purpose company set up by Veiko Vali (66.7%) and Kuido Kartau (33.3%), would entail 100 turbines rated 6 MW each off the west coast of the Saaremaa island. It was initially estimated to be built at a cost of €1.7bn but the costs have later been lowered to €1.3bn due to technological advancements and lower construction costs.