When Europe is facing soaring energy prices, the support for renewable energy sources, hence new green-energy generating projects, consolidated substantially. Poland noted high support for the construction of new wind and PV farms. A study by YouGov for the European Climate Foundation demonstrated that more than two thirds (69%) of respondents would support the construction of a wind farm in their neighbourhood. 84% of Polish citizens are anxious about the effects of climate change, with 71% thinking that the Polish government should do more to counteract climate change.
Polish citizens want new investments in green energy
The new YouGov survey carried out for the European Climate Foundation demonstrated great public support for new wind and solar energy projects. Although previous public opinion polls demonstrated broad support for RES electricity, the new data emphasize that communities both in Poland and Europe not only demand much more renewable energy, but also want to have more local control. A further important message is that those who already have contact with renewable energy in their communities support it even stronger.
More than two thirds (69%) of respondents would support the construction of a wind farm in their neighbourhood. The support for the construction of new wind and PV farms in each country is higher among persons already living in the vicinity of such facilities. Throughout Europe, 77% of citizens living in the vicinity of wind farms would support the construction of subsequent turbines in their neighbourhood.
Even more respondents are willing to accept turbines in their neighbourhood if: they would create new jobs for the local population (72%), their construction plans would be approved by environmental protection organisations (67%) and preceded by sound public consultations (71%). At the same time, 66% of respondents objects to the construction of a new coal-fired power plant in their neighbourhood, with 51% unwilling to have a nuclear power plant nearby.
This proves high ecological awareness of the Polish society — 84% of Polish citizens are anxious about the effects of climate change, with 71% thinking that the Polish government should do more to counteract climate change.
Unblock onshore wind development
The survey confirms that energy transition requires acceleration and creation of the best development conditions for zero-emission and renewable energy sources. This in particular includes onshore and offshore wind farms, which in the recent years became the least expensive electricity source in Poland. However, the so-called Distance Act 2016, which precludes the construction of wind farms in the vicinity of residential buildings, actually froze investments in onshore wind in Poland. Introducing the 10 H principle, politicians argued that the regulations meet expectations of citizens, for whom turbines built in their neighbourhood were allegedly burdensome. This strict regulation brought development of new onshore wind farms projects to a complete halt, what is both irrational and expensive from the point of view of the Polish economy and electricity customers. Since then, subsequent public opinion polls demonstrate increasing support for renewable energy sources, which are a response to the climate crisis and increasing energy prices.
Results of the survey confirm an important and strong trend — Polish citizens want green energy to gradually displace coal-based energy. Where ¾ of the society supports the construction of a wind farm in their neighbourhood, liberalisation of the 10 H principle should be a mere formality. The amendment awaited by the entire industry may unblock onshore wind potential all over the country, resulting in 6–12.5 GW of new capacity by 2030, depending on the development scenario used. Investment expenditures would reach PLN 30–62 billion within a decade. New capacity would also have a substantial contribution to GDP — its cumulated growth is estimated at PLN 70–130 billion by 2030. Moreover, this is an opportunity for new jobs, the number of which, depending on scenario, may increase by 50 to as much as 97 thousand over the next decade, says Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
Results of the survey confirm an important and strong trend — Polish citizens want green energy to gradually displace coal-based energy. Where ¾ of the society supports the construction of a wind farm in their neighbourhood, liberalisation of the 10 H principle should be a mere formality. The amendment awaited by the entire industry may unblock onshore wind potential all over the country, resulting in 6–12.5 GW of new capacity by 2030, depending on the development scenario used. Investment expenditures would reach PLN 30–62 billion within a decade. New capacity would also have a substantial contribution to GDP — its cumulated growth is estimated at PLN 70–130 billion by 2030. Moreover, this is an opportunity for new jobs, the number of which, depending on scenario, may increase by 50 to as much as 97 thousand over the next decade, says Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.Liberalisation of the 10 H principle has its supporters in the government. However, a ready draft amendment to the anti-wind act has stuck in the Ministry of Climate and the Environment. “The transition is to result in the creation of a new power system. This is a huge challenge. In accordance with assumptions to Energy Policy of Poland by 2040, energy transition will drive economic growth, efficiency and competitiveness, becoming the clear driver of economic growth and new, high-income jobs,” said Ireneusz Zyska, Governmental Secretary of State, Representative for Renewable Energy Sources during this year’s EEC. During the event Minister Zyska emphasized that he is a definitive supporter of liberalisation of the 10 H principle to unleash onshore wind potential. He also estimated that it is possible for the changes to be adopted in 2021.
European “YES” for wind power
The YouGov survey furthermore demonstrates that in the European context we are facing high expectations for new green energy projects. According to the poll, 86% of European citizens support new wind and solar projects in their neighbourhood. The result contrasts with strong opposition against production of energy from fossil fuels or against nuclear power. 65% of European citizens is against new nuclear power plants, and 67% oppose new oil- or gas-fired power plants in their neighbourhood.
Moreover, the survey demonstrates that persons already living in the vicinity of wind and PV farms are more supportive for the construction of a higher number of renewable energy source facilities in their neighbourhood. 70% of respondents support the construction of wind turbines near their place of residence. The support increases to 76% where local communities are involved through new jobs, participation in profits and ownership and consultations in the field of planning and environmental protection.
Europeans don’t think their governments are doing enough to combat climate change.
Very few people — just 18% all over Europe — think that their governments “do whatever they can to counteract climate change” (14% in Poland). 69% of Europeans want their governments to do more to counteract climate change.