Vast majority of Poles — 83% — support development of onshore wind in Poland and construction of new wind farms. More than half (51%) admits that production of electricity from wind is less expensive than from coal, the latest study by CBOS reveals.
CBOS asked Polish citizens about their attitude to wind energy development in Poland. The results are clear — vast majority of Poles (83%) support development of onshore wind, with only a few (10%) expressing an opposite opinion.
Moreover, Polish citizens seem to be aware of economic variables, for 51% of respondents claimed that production of electricity from wind is less expensive than the use of conventional sources. 17% is of the opinion that cost of electricity from wind and coal is similar, and 11% indicates higher RES costs.
CBOS indicates that the perception of electricity production costs is noticeably related to the attitude to wind energy development. Its supporters are usually aware that production of electricity from wind is less expensive compared to coal. In turn, its opponents perceive the cost as similar or higher.
Currently, the Polish Parliament is about to decide the fate of the so-called Distance Act, whose final wording will determine the future of onshore wind development. Amendments to the “10H Act” were broadly consulted over the last three years. The 500 m, accepted by the government, local governments and the entire industy secured new wind megawatts within 2 years, with as much as 22 GW in subsequent years. However, with a single amendment prepared in haste, the Sejm changed the provision to 700 metres, reducing available connection capacity by approximately 60-70%.
The Senate brought back hope for the revival of wind energy in Poland, unanimously reverting the original 500 m. Now the Act is back in the Sejm, where MPs will once again decide on the provisions of the amendment. The expected voting on the Wind Energy Act may take place during the next session of the Sejm, next week.