Polish industry has great potential to become an important player in the global offshore wind supply chain. However, without a solid, strategic industrial policy focusing on RES, in particular offshore wind sector, there is a risk of falling behind. The clock is ticking, and immediate action is crucial. Therefore, Poland urgently needs industrial policy aimed at supporting offshore wind supply chain. What it should include and what elements it should focus on will be answered by participants of the “How To Exploit the Potential of the Polish Industry in the Offshore Wind Sector” Round Table, to be held during the Offshore Conference on 21–22 November in Sheraton Hotel.
Electricity from the first Polish wind farm in the Baltic Sea is scheduled to be fed into the grid in 2026. Never before have there been such a rapidly growing renewable energy sources technology in Poland. Poland may and should be the leader in offshore wind development in the Baltic sea, for it is offshore wind that will have a substantial impact on the country’s energy independence. As geopolitical tensions are likely to stay with us for long, security becomes crucial. Relying on “external market forces” is not only risky, but also uncertain.
Great opportunity for local industry
The current geopolitical situation results in the need to design technological solutions that will consolidate our security and boost our economy and community. Offshore wind is the only large-scale renewable energy source capable of ensuring energy independence while supporting the use of the potential of Polish companies to the highest degree.
New industry benefits so-called local content — Polish companies forming part of production and supply chains. Entrepreneurs comprising the national supply chain exhibit a potential to soon become capable of offering key structural elements, including turbine towers or underwater supporting structures. However, this requires urgent support and decisive investment.
“Although Polish enterprises demonstrated capability to compete in global markets in many industrial sectors, in offshore wind we should strive to increase the number of new companies, more jobs or high added value based on technological development. We are looking forward to new investments in the sector, although without directed policy, we will not gain competences and experience nor financing and personnel, necessary to compete in European and global markets despite vast potential,” said Maciej Mierzwiński, President of CEE Energy Group.
Where other countries lay down clear, strategic paths for offshore wind supply chains, Poland may find itself dangerously suspended. A lot has been done, but the time has come for conscious arrangement of priorities. A conscious industrial policy, giving priorities to development of plants, projects, industry education of acquisition of financing could be a solution.
“Our maritime, construction, production and logistic industries are related to offshore wind in a complex way. Without recognising and exploiting the synergies through clear industrial policy not only we lose growth opportunities, but also risk stagnation in industries which, with appropriate support, could lead international markets. We must admit this is urgent, understand what is at stake and take decisive action. It’s time for industrial policy focused on offshore wind supply chain. A policy that is modern, future-oriented and exploiting the potential of the Polish economy and demand from the European offshore market. It’s time to act now,” emphasized Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
Europe already set the direction
Wind Power Action Plan recently published by European Commission confirms key importance of support for local supply chain. Europe sends a clear message: Today, it is of utmost importance to increase the competitiveness of European wind energy production, in particular in the context of unequal fight with manufacturers from China. The proposed measures are to change the rules of the game for the European wind industry and Europe’s ability to achieve its climate and energy goals.
The needs of the Polish industry in the context of its participation in the supply chain for offshore wind farm projects, both in Poland and globally, will be one of the topics discussed during Offshore Wind Poland 2023. Entrepreneurs will have the strongest voice, answering a special questionnaire concerning offshore industrial policy. The survey, prepared by PWEA and CEE Energy Group, will form the basis for the development of offshore wind industrial policy guidelines.
The potential of the polish industry, the ways it can support offshore wind development in Poland, the reasons for low local content in Phase I and the niches to be found in the Polish industry — all will discussed by participants of the “How To Exploit the Potential of the Polish Industry in the Offshore Wind Sector” Round Table, to be held during the Offshore Conference on 21–22 November in Sheraton Hotel.