Estonia’s Floating Offshore Wind Project SAARE 1 Renames as “Avara” ready for next step of development
Offshore wind project developer OXAN Energy, together with its partners Ocean Connect Energy and SNOW, announces the new identity of the offshore wind project they jointly developed together, 60 km off the Estonian coast. Formerly known as the zone SAARE 1, the project will now be called Avara, marking a new chapter in Baltic Sea renewable energy development.
Covering an area of 88 km² and designed to deliver up to 900 MW of capacity, the name Avara draws inspiration from the Estonian word avar, meaning open, vast, and spacious. This new name embodies the project’s forward-looking and innovative spirit. The consortium aims to pursue the dialogue with local and european stakeholders and work in agility in the face of new technical challenges.
The project is foreseen with floating wind technology. Given the water depth in range from 35 to 85 meters, the project has the potential to combine floating and bottom-fixed technologies. The lay-out of the wind farm, including the technology to be used, will be decided after the impact assessment, as well as the environmental and technical studies.
“Avara offshore wind farm has a huge potential to drive innovation forward and to become the first floating offshore wind farm in the Baltics.” said Nikon Vidjajev, Development Director of the Avara project, appointed last June by the project’s partners.
Located west of Saaremaa Island, Avara could generate enough clean electricity to power almost half of Estonia’s households and businesses, around 3,2 TWh annually out of a national consumption of 8 TWh.
Since the Estonian authorities officially launched the permitting and environmental assessment process in June 2025, Avara has entered a decisive phase focused on finalizing the environmental impact program, refining the technical design, and continuing dialogue with local and European stakeholders.
Beyond its technological ambition, Avara reflects a commitment to sustainability, cooperation, and regional development, reinforcing the Baltic Sea’s role in Europe’s clean energy transition.
