In a crucial moment for the development of offshore wind energy in Poland, the Senate will evaluate on Tuesday, December 3, the amendments to the Law on Promoting Electricity Generation in Offshore Wind Farms (UD 159). These amendments, presented by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, aim to establish differentiated maximum prices for various maritime zones, considering their geophysical characteristics and distances from the coast. According to the proponents of the project, this measure will promote greater investment and development in strategic areas of the Baltic Sea.

The draft law, approved in the Sejm on November 27, 2024, and sent to the Senate two days later, will be discussed in a joint meeting of the National Economy and Innovation Commission and the Climate and Environment Commission. This debate is part of the agenda for the 24th Senate meeting, which will take place from December 4 to 6.

A Growing Sector and Strategic Regulation

The development of offshore wind energy in Poland gained momentum this year. During the Offshore Wind Poland 2024 Conference, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Arkadiusz Marchewka, highlighted that the country is moving toward designating new areas in the Baltic Sea to expand wind infrastructure. “We are working on a report about maritime zones that will lay the foundation for new substantial decisions in the development of offshore wind farms,” Marchewka said, emphasizing the need to fully harness the Baltic’s energy potential.

Currently, the government is developing essential port projects to support the growth of the industry. Notably, the installation terminal in Gdańsk, costing 1.177 billion zlotys, stands out. “We have already signed a contract for the implementation of the project, and the terminal could be ready by 2026,” Marchewka said, highlighting that these works are partially funded through the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO). Additionally, other strategic ports, such as Ustka, Łeba, and Darłowo, will receive investments totaling 370 million euros for service infrastructures and breakwaters.

Record Investments and Future Outlook

The offshore wind energy sector is shaping up as one of the greatest opportunities for energy transformation in Poland, with investments projected to reach up to 300 billion zlotys by 2040, according to the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA). These investments will not only transform the country’s energy system but will also have a significant impact on its economy and job creation. “We are building, and the economic impact of this investment campaign is unprecedented in contemporary Poland,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of PWEA’s board of directors.

The energy potential of the Baltic Sea is considered one of the largest in Europe. Recent studies estimate it could reach 33 GW, which would cover nearly 60% of the national electricity demand. Regionally, the Baltic Sea could become the second-largest offshore wind energy provider after the North Sea, with a projected total capacity of 90 GW, according to Łukasz Koliński, Director of Renewable Energy Policy at the European Commission.

A Strategic Framework for the Industry

To ensure the maximum impact of this growth, the Wind Industry Hub (WIH) Foundation and experts from PWEA have developed a “Polish Strategy for the Development of Offshore Wind Farm Industry.” This document addresses key challenges in the supply chain, financing, education, and innovation. It also includes a roadmap to establish Poland as a regional renewable energy hub, emphasizing the importance of involving local entrepreneurs in the upcoming phases of development.

Jerzy Buzek, former President of the European Parliament, noted that Poland faces a strategic challenge: to move energy sources from the south of the country to the north, where optimal conditions for offshore wind energy are concentrated. “We have the best conditions among the countries in our region to become an offshore wind energy hub, but we need greater commitment from our entrepreneurs,” Buzek said, stressing the importance of maximizing local content in future projects.

The Role of Offshore Wind in the Energy Transition

According to the recently finalized National Energy and Climate Plan for 2040, 70% of electricity produced in Poland will come from wind sources, with a target of 136.9 TWh annually. This will not only boost the country’s energy independence but will also position Poland as a leader in renewable energy in Central and Eastern Europe.