Polish Wind Energy Association received PLN 2 million of subsidy for a national information and education campaign on wind energy. This is a response to the plans for a dynamic growth of the sector in Poland, both in terms of onshore and offshore projects. Record-high public support for wind energy demonstrates how important renewable energy sources are today. The outlook of new wind farm investments requires promotion of knowledge about the technology and its impact on energy security and efficiency. The “Sail With the Wind” campaign, financed by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, will be launched in 2023.
The NFEPWM subsidy will enable the Polish Wind Energy Association to carry out a national information and education “Sail With the Wind” campaign. The educational project is to promote knowledge about wind energy as a renewable energy source that increases ecological and energy security of the country. Measures within the planned cross-media campaign will provide reliable and proven knowledge, debunking myths and reluctance stemming from the lack of information. The educational, promotional and information projects are to reach 15.5 million people.
“This is a crucial moment for such a campaign in Poland. Education about wind energy and the entire RES sector is important and expected by the public, in particular now, when renewable technologies are so much needed by Poland and will grow very rapidly. The development of independent energy sources is raison d’etat for Poland. Onshore wind is the solution for energy poverty, extraordinarily high electricity prices and Poland’s dependence on imported fuel. We want the inevitable energy transition towards RES to occur in an environment of social awareness and acceptance. Hence the idea of a national educational campaign addressed to the wide public, from the youngest to the eldest,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
“This is a crucial moment for such a campaign in Poland. Education about wind energy and the entire RES sector is important and expected by the public, in particular now, when renewable technologies are so much needed by Poland and will grow very rapidly. The development of independent energy sources is raison d’etat for Poland. Onshore wind is the solution for energy poverty, extraordinarily high electricity prices and Poland’s dependence on imported fuel. We want the inevitable energy transition towards RES to occur in an environment of social awareness and acceptance. Hence the idea of a national educational campaign addressed to the wide public, from the youngest to the eldest,” said Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.The campaign will present to the public (as well as regional and local stakeholders) wind energy investments as a project increasing energy security of the country.
“Our message will cover both onshore and offshore wind soon to be built in the Polish Baltic Sea areas. Offshore wind is a new sector that requires particular approach to awareness development. Education about perspectives and opportunities is crucial, for offshore in Poland means new jobs, new curricula, factories, installation and service ports. We are aware that new often leads to distrust. Therefore, the campaign will show the true face of the industry and its role in developing a strong and independent economy,” said Małgorzata Żmijewska-Kukiełka, PWEA Communications Manager, campaign coordinator.
To achieve the best possible educational effect, the campaign will be supported by TV and radio broadcasts and PR activities that will enable reaching media, opinion leaders, local governments, business and ecological association and particular target groups with substantive arguments and information.
The campaign will use not only traditional media, but also electronic ones, sch as websites, social media or horizontal portals. This will definitely increase reach not only among young people or students, but also other target groups.
The planned campaign will be cross-media in nature, what will enable to consolidate and strengthen the core promotional and educational idea. An important element will be a cycle of events addressed to specific target groups, including not only families and young people, but also students, experts and journalists.
The measures will be supported by known public persons, whose value lies in their personal image. This is to consolidate the message and obtain media reach. Moreover, this will enable a broader reach and activation among recipients, for instance through encouragement to participation in competitions or knowledge quizzes.
The planned measures combine various forms and educational tools, enabling a sustainable increase of ecological awareness and awareness of benefits stemming from the use of energy from RES. A broad range of measures and various promotional and educational tools will enable an effective, national campaign.
The agreement governing the granting of a subsidy, amounting to almost PLN 2 million from the Ecological Education programme was signed in Warsaw on 4 January 2023 by NFEPWM Vice-President of the Board, Sławomir Mazurek, PWEA President of the Board, Janusz Gajowiecki and PWEA Vice-President of the Board, Szymon Kowalski. Overall, the project will cost approximately PLN 2.2 million.