Poland’s investment in offshore wind infrastructure marks a milestone in Europe’s energy transition. With an extensive coastline and favourable wind conditions, the country is positioning itself as the leading player in the Baltic Sea’s offshore wind sector, boasting a potential 33 GW of installed capacity.

“This is a very significant development. Offshore wind is growing and has the potential to generate electricity competitively and affordably,” Christoph Zipf, Press & Communications Manager at WindEurope, reaffirms to Strategic Energy Europe.

Poland’s strategy not only aims to leverage its natural resources but also to enhance its energy independence as Europe reduces its reliance on imported fossil fuels. “This will increase Europe’s energy security and reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels,” Zipf asserts.

Poland’s Strategic Advantages in Offshore Wind

Compared to other Baltic nations, Poland has structural advantages that position it as a potential leader. Its long coastline and strong wind conditions are key factors, but its developing naval and port infrastructure also plays a crucial role.

“Poland already has a strong shipbuilding industry and ports that are now preparing for offshore wind energy,” explains Zipf. These capabilities allow the country to develop a domestic supply chain for manufacturing and maintaining essential offshore wind components.

Other Baltic countries, such as Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, are also exploring offshore wind energy but face infrastructure and logistical constraints. Germany already has offshore wind farms in the Baltic, yet its maritime space is limited, making Poland the most promising growth market in the region.

The Impact of the Net Zero Industry Act on Offshore Wind

The growth of offshore wind in Europe depends not only on individual projects but also on policies that drive industry expansion. The Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) aims to strengthen the European clean tech sector and ensure its global competitiveness.

“The NZIA has a clear goal: to increase Europe’s turbine production capacity to 36 GW by 2030,” Zipf highlights. Current production levels are much lower, meaning Europe must expand factories and train a skilled workforce to meet future demand.

Key measures within the NZIA include:

• Reforming auction processes to prioritise sustainability and cybersecurity criteria over simply selecting the lowest-cost option.
• Accelerating permitting procedures is one of the industry’s main bottlenecks.
• Increasing funding for infrastructure and technological advancements.

Zipf underscores that the NZIA will be crucial for Europe’s wind industry. “It’s not just about producing cheaper turbines but ensuring they bring the greatest value to Europe,” he notes.

Challenges and Opportunities for Poland’s Wind Industry

Despite its advantages, Poland still faces key challenges on its path to offshore wind leadership. These include significant investment in port infrastructure, workforce training, and ensuring stable energy policies.

However, investor interest in Poland’s offshore wind market is high. “There is strong investment appetite for offshore wind, provided the remuneration schemes are solid,” says Zipf. To capitalise on this momentum, Poland must ensure well-structured auction processes to attract capital and accelerate project development.

Poland’s offshore wind expansion aligns with Europe’s clean energy strategy, reinforcing the continent’s energy security and industrial competitiveness. With 33 GW of potential in the Baltic and a growing supply chain, Poland is well on its way to becoming a key player in Europe’s offshore wind sector over the next decade.