Onshore wind development increases the pace of the Polish energy transition and brings a number of benefits for the economy. A report by the Polish Wind Energy Association and Instytut Jagielloński demonstrates that, in the best development scenario, new wind farms will guarantee PLN 70–133 billion of GDP growth, PLN 490–935 million of additional revenue foe local governments, approximately PLN 80 billion of orders for products and services in the supply chain and from 51 to 97 thousand new jobs. To see it happen, it is necessary to conclude the liberalisation of the Distance Act and change the 10 h principle.
The results of the “National onshore wind supply chain” report, prepared by the Polish Wind Energy Association and Instytut Jagielloński, demonstrate that the key challenge to energy transition is local content, i.e. the highest possible profit of the Polish companies and industry. Maximisation of the profit requires development and implementation of solutions enabling retention of the highest possible investment amount in the national economy, development of supply chain and export of Polish enterprises and creation of new jobs.
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. 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.
“Energy transition requires acceleration and creation of the best development conditions for zero-emission and renewable energy sources. This in particular includes onshore wind farms, which in the recent years became the least expensive electricity source in Poland. Unfortunately, no new wind farm may be built without changes to the law. “Without liberalisation of the 10 H principle this year Poland, our customers and the economy will face serious issues. Not only the entire industry will lose development opportunities and a chance to increase its competitiveness — the citizens, already facing skyrocketing electricity prices, will also suffer losses. Uncontrolled price increases may be stopped only by construction of new onshore wind capacity. Otherwise the consequences may be grim in terms of electricity prices,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
“Energy transition requires acceleration and creation of the best development conditions for zero-emission and renewable energy sources. This in particular includes onshore wind farms, which in the recent years became the least expensive electricity source in Poland. Unfortunately, no new wind farm may be built without changes to the law. “Without liberalisation of the 10 H principle this year Poland, our customers and the economy will face serious issues. Not only the entire industry will lose development opportunities and a chance to increase its competitiveness — the citizens, already facing skyrocketing electricity prices, will also suffer losses. Uncontrolled price increases may be stopped only by construction of new onshore wind capacity. Otherwise the consequences may be grim in terms of electricity prices,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.The report demonstrates that further operation of the restrictive regulations limiting wind farm location possibilities — the so-called 10 h principle — will entail further loss of production capacity and service providers for the industry. Moreover, it may be said that non-elimination of barriers preventing exploitation of onshore wind potential will translate into local content in the supply chain.
“Conclusions of the report should be construed not only from the point of view of the wind energy industry and the energy sector itself. Economic benefits for the national economy should also be noted. Investments in wind energy not only result in zero-emission electricity, but also measurable benefits for the state budget and local community budgets, and bring thousands of new jobs. Considering energy transition from this perspective, we can see it brings many opportunities to build a modern and fast-growing economy,” said Marcin Roszkowski, President of Insystut Jagielloński.
The planned development and potentially available financing for offshore wind energy is an additional factor contributing to the potential increase in local content.
“When offshore wind farm projects are about to be launched, onshore wind may crate an impulse for key areas of the Polish industry, including steel, construction, smelting and many others, to prepare for much higher weights and volumes of the structures. Green light for their development is an information for the national industry, service providers and installers to commence investment in production infrastructure, new technologies and personnel that will streamline the development of supply chain for both onshore and offshore wind energy,” Janusz Gajowiecki added.
The portfolio of contracts for products and services in onshore wind farm supply chain may amount to as much as PLN 80 billion by 2030. This means average annual turnover between PLN 6 and 9 billion.
Investments in the development of wind energy technologies in Poland not only pursue goals related to climate change and environmental protection, but also implement innovations to production and enable expansion in the EU markets. Appropriate use of the EU funds through investments in innovative manufacturing infrastructure for RES will in the long term translate into economic growth, quality of life and high quality jobs.
Conclusions from the report confirm the position of the entire wind energy industry, long fighting for elimination of barriers to onshore investments. Taking advantage of the opportunities for the Polish economy and development of the existing potential requires more flexibility in the 10 h principle and listening to the voice of local communities.
Furthermore, the report confirms that requirements include an update to strategic documents require in terms of the planned share of onshore wind in the energy mix, maintenance of stable auction schemes, development of the PPA market, increase in system integration and effective permitting procedures.