Politicians emphasized the importance of wind energy in the Polish energy mix and debated about best solutions for the wind energy sector in Poland. External session of the Parliamentary Group for Energy, Energy Transition and Mining Transition in Poland was held at a TAURON Polska Energia’s wind farm near Piotrków Trybunalski.
Wind energy will ensure Poland’s energy security, and its rapid development is an opportunity for the increase in the share of Polish companies in the supply chain as well as for new jobs for the current employees of the mining sector and its environment. These are the key conclusions of the external session of the Parliamentary Group.
Chairman of the Group, Marek Wesoły, emphasized the importance of onshore wind in decarbonisation of the Polish energy mix. Draft amendment to the so-called 10 H Act, which is to unblock onshore wind development, was discussed by Ireneusz Zyska, Government Representative for Renewable Energy Sources. “We want to increase public participation in the entire consultation process related to the location of new onshore wind farms both through social dialogue and participation in spatial planning. The draft liberalising the so-called 10 H rule assumes elimination of barriers to onshore wind development,” Minister Zyska said.
Liberalisation of the Distance Act is a strategic decision in the face of extraordinarily high electricity prices — onshore wind is the least expensive source of electricity that may bring the fastest reduction in electricity bills for Polish families. Research demonstrates that without wind energy, our electricity bills would have been substantially higher. An analysis prepared by Instytut Jagielloński demonstrates that after unblocking and launching new wind farm investments, Polish families, industry and the economy may save as much as PLN 14 billion on electricity bills.
The role of local content, i.e. the share of Polish companies in the development of a strong and stable supply chain for the wind energy sector, must also be emphasized.
“Onshore wind development in Poland has a substantial impact on GDP, labour market and prospects for production facilities. Implementation of onshore projects will be a stimulus to Polish enterprises operating within the supply chain. Investments in wind energy not only result in zero-emission electricity, but also measurable benefits for the state budget and local community budgets. Considering energy transition from this perspective, we can see it brings many opportunities to build a modern and fast-growing economy,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
It is estimated that this may contribute to the creation of 51 to 97 thousand new jobs. The potential of local content in the onshore wind farm supply chain is currently estimated at 55–60% and may reach as much as 75% within the next 10 years.
“The recently announced TAURON’s strategy indicates long-term development direction and paves the way for a more dynamic transformation of our company towards climate neutrality. As a company, we are investing in wind farms, both onshore and offshore, as well as in PV, which we think is an important asset. Energy sector of the future is zero-carbon, socially responsible and harmonised with a modern Polish economy,” explained Artur Warzocha, Vice-President of TAURON Polska Energia.
“Selection of the latest solutions is key to efficiency of electricity production and project profitability. Next to securing inexpensive energy for the economy, onshore wind development will accelerate phasing out external fossil fuels,” said Wojciech Więcławek, President of TZE.
Increasing awareness of environmental benefits stemming from onshore wind development is no less important. Studies demonstrate that 85% of Polish citizens want further development of onshore wind farms — the source of inexpensive and clean electricity.