Arkadiusz Marchewka, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Poland

During the Offshore Wind Poland 2024 Conference, held on November 20-21 in Warsaw, authorities and experts discussed the sector’s progress, challenges, and opportunities. Organized by the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA), the event reaffirmed that offshore wind energy is not only a priority for the Polish government but also a driver of economic development and energy resilience.

Arkadiusz Marchewka, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, announced that the government is finalizing a report on the development of maritime zones. This document will determine the location of new areas designated for offshore wind farms, expanding the two phases already underway. “We are evaluating spatial development plans to maximize the energy potential of the Baltic Sea,” he stated.

In this way, Poland consolidates its leadership in offshore wind by designating new areas for wind farms in the Baltic Sea, an effort aimed at strengthening its energy transition and economic competitiveness.

A Historic Investment in Port Infrastructure

The Deputy Minister highlighted the acceleration of port investments through the National Recovery Plan (KPO), which has unlocked 900 million zlotys in European Union funds for a new installation terminal in Gdańsk. Additionally, other terminals in Ustka, Łeba, and Darłowo will be financed with 370 million euros. “The total cost of the T5 terminal amounts to 1.177 billion zlotys, and we expect to inaugurate it in 2026,” Marchewka noted.

Economic and Strategic Impact of Offshore Wind

According to Janusz Gajowiecki, President of PWEA, the sector represents an unprecedented transformation for Poland. “The investment campaign for offshore wind farms involves 300 billion zlotys by 2040. We are building to make the Baltic Sea a hub of clean energy,” he affirmed.

Łukasz Koliński, Director of Renewable Energy Policy at the European Commission, also emphasized the Baltic Sea’s potential with 90 GW of capacity, positioning it as Europe’s second-largest provider of offshore wind energy, second only to the North Sea. In fact, according to PWEA, the 33 GW projected for the Polish part of the Baltic could meet nearly 60% of the country’s electricity demand.

Challenges and Supply Chain Roadmap

The conference also addressed industry challenges. Dominika Taranko, Vice President of the Wind Industry Hub (WIH), presented a strategy to strengthen the national supply chain. This document includes proposals on financing, innovation, and workforce training. Additionally, experts like Jerzy Buzek, former President of the European Parliament, called for greater involvement of local businesses in future development phases.

“Poland has unique conditions to lead the energy transition in our region, but we must better leverage our industrial and technological potential,” Buzek said.

A Developing Legal Framework

The conference featured a report on the sector’s contractual and legal aspects, prepared by DWF Poland and WIH. This analysis addressed key risks and responsibilities to expedite projects. The event also included workshops to implement nine strategic programs for developing the value chain.

Future Outlook

With a sector poised to play a key role in the energy transformation, Poland is positioning itself as a regional offshore wind energy hub. According to the National Energy and Climate Plan 2040, 70% of the country’s electricity generation will be renewable, with 136.9 TWh coming from wind energy. This confirms the government and industry’s commitment to a sustainable and competitive energy model.