Anna Moskwa and Piotr Nowak — the newly sworn Minister for Climate and Minister for Development and Technology — give rise to great hopes among the entire wind energy industry for liberalisation of the 10 H principle and clear regulations for offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea. They lack no experience or knowledge. Let’s hope that among multitude of tasks to do and issues to decide, left by their predecessors, they have enough time.
New Ministers were sworn recently. Among others, the changes occurred in two Ministries crucial for the entire energy sector, in particular wind energy. Anna Moskwa became the new Minister for Climate and Environment, and Piotr Nowak — Minister for Development and Technology. There is no doubt that these are persons with strong ties to the business and Polish politics, for both were Undersecretaries of State just a few years ago.
Ministry of Climate, headed by Anna Moskwa, is a good prognosis for unfinished legal regulations related to offshore wind. It is the MoC that will make key decisions on amendments to the Offshore Act adopted at the beginning of the year and on other regulations that result in doubts among stakeholders. It is worth mentioning that, prior to becoming Minister, Anna Moskwa was Member of the Board of Baltic Power, a company of PKN Orlen and Northland Power, which is to build one of the first offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea. Hence, the Minister knows the problems faced by investors and is perfectly aware of the role for the Polish economy to be played by offshore wind. I have no doubt that outstanding matters will be duly closed, and the RES industry will continue its substantive dialogue and cooperation with Ministry for Climate and Environment.
On the other hand, the so-called Distance Act, effectively blocking new onshore wind locations since 2016, is awaiting amendment by Ministry of Development and Technology. Notwithstanding public support for new installations — as demonstrated by the latest survey by the European Climate Foundation 70% Polish citizens support the construction of wind farms in their neighbourhood — onshore wind potential is wasted. Speaking for the entire industry, I have great hopes for Minister Nowak’s rational approach to the issue of such a fundamental importance to all wind energy investors.
Assumption of the position of Secretary of State in Ministry of Development and Technology by Artur Soboń is also important. He is a politician knowledgeable in the problems of the Polish energy sector who consistently strives to carry out safe and responsible energy transformation in our country. As Governmental Representative for Coal Mining, he proven exceptionally effective, bringing to the signing of an agreement on the run-off of mines by 2049. As an industry, we count on his involvement — this time in matters of rapidly developing renewable sources, which are natural successors to conventional sources.