The absence of a wind energy act by 2030 could cost Poland 63 billion PLN. The consequences include higher electricity prices, greater reliance on coal imports, lower GDP, and financial losses for local governments. Every installed gigawatt of wind power could lower electricity prices by more than 9 PLN/MWh. "We have neither the time nor the money to waste this potential," warns the Polish Wind Energy Association (PSEW). Following consultations, the draft law is expected to be reviewed by the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers. The key amendment involves repealing the 10H rule, allowing for wind farm expansion. According to PSEW, reducing the minimum distance requirement for turbines to 500 meters could unlock a wind energy potential of approximately 41 GW by 2040.
Losses Are Mounting Daily
An analysis by PSEW indicates that the absence of wind energy investments will cost Poland 4.43 billion PLN this year alone, with annual losses rising to 16.5 billion PLN by 2030.
By 2030, excess energy costs will reach 6.6 billion PLN per year, while coal imports this year alone will cost 1.1 billion PLN.
Local governments stand to lose 80 million PLN in revenue this year (225,000 PLN daily) from property taxes, PIT, and CIT.
New wind farms could contribute an additional 2 billion PLN to GDP annually.
In 2030, the lack of investment will slow GDP growth by 0.2%, primarily due to electricity prices exceeding 55 PLN/MWh.
Farmers leasing land to wind farm investors are losing 200,000 PLN daily due to stalled projects, with projected losses reaching 440 million PLN per year by 2030.
"Wind energy is not only crucial for our energy independence and security, but it also provides the cheapest electricity—its production cost is three to 3.5 times lower than that of fossil fuels" emphasizes Janusz Gajowiecki, President of PSEW.
Poland’s Competitiveness at Risk
Electricity prices in Poland remain among the highest in Europe among industrialized nations.
"Polish and European industries must compete with the United States and China in this sector. According to the latest draft of the National Energy and Climate Plan, installed renewable energy capacity should reach 57 GW by 2030 and exceed 90 GW by 2040. Without unlocking additional wind energy capacity, Poland will be unable to meet this demand" says Dr. Joanna Pandera, President of Forum Energii.
"Wind power has the potential to be a key solution to Poland’s energy crisis and high electricity prices. The country has highly favorable wind conditions, and wind farms are a cost-effective and rapid alternative compared to other energy sources" notes Michał Hetmański, President of the Instrat Foundation. He adds that every 1 GW of wind energy reduces gas demand by 0.5 billion cubic meters.