A power system based on distributed energy sources, such as wind farms, is needed now! It guarantees energy security and independence, effectively reducing electricity prices. Furthermore, wind will consolidate Polish economy by building a modern and strong supply chain. How to pave the way for green energy and why we should do it: this will be the theme of the main session of the PWEA 2022 Conference in Serock on 14 June.

Without wind energy, energy transition is impossible. Given the right conditions and appropriate support, onshore and offshore wind can contribute to the energy security of the country and to consolidation of the Polish economy.

“War in Ukraine has changed the path towards European energy transition forever. Now we see how fragile fossil-based, mostly import-based energy sector is. Today, accelerating the transition and enabling new RES investments may prove a necessity not only to protect the climate or as an opportunity for the economy, but primarily in terms of Poland’s sovereignty and its national interest,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association added.

Therefore, it is necessary to immediately unleash wind energy development, which has been restricted since 2016 by the 10 h rule, for it exhibits vast potential as the least expensive and independent source of electricity for Polish homes and industries. Without the Sejm adopting an amendment thereto, allowing for the construction of new wind farms in compliance with the local communities’ acceptance principle, there will be no inexpensive electricity from onshore wind.

In the context of the current events, rapidly rising electricity prices throughout Europe cannot be forgotten. In Poland, in April the average price of a megawatt-hour at the Polish Power Exchange reached 466.60 PLN/MWh, almost 100 percent higher than the average price a year ago.

“High electricity prices are caused by increasingly expensive fossil fuels, such as gas and coal, as well as carbon dioxide emission allowances, but also primarily by unexploited renewable energy potential, including the least expensive wind sources,” said Piotr Czopek, Regulatory Director, PWEA. “Elimination of barriers for construction of new wind farms may help to stop increases in energy prices in the future,” he added.

Offshore wind, which determines one of the key directions of development of the energy sector, is also important.

“Poland should exploit the perfect conditions at the Baltic Sea to develop offshore wind. To build the first Polish offshore wind farms in an efficient and effective manner, we need to optimise complex procedures,” Szymon Kowalski, PWEA Vice-President emphasized. “Offshore wind farms are a great economic project that will provide many commercial and industrial opportunities, which is clearly seen in foreign examples,” he added. 

The new sector of the economy will ensure access to inexpensive, carbon-free electricity and increase competitiveness of Polish enterprises. It has to be emphasized that Poland may become the leader in offshore wind development in the Baltic Sea region and in Europe. The currently assumed 11 GW is already being verified by the government in the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040. The industry estimates that Polish Baltic Sea potential is much higher and reaches as much as 28 GW.

Onshore and offshore wind development as seen by the industry leaders in Poland and Europe will be discussed during the main session of the PWEA 2022 Conference in Serock on 14 June.