In a promising outlook for Poland, wind energy developments on land and at sea are expected to generate 200,000 new jobs, with 75% of Polish companies actively participating in the service and product support sector. This significant push could also contribute to a staggering GDP growth of PLN 450 billion in the coming decades. The key requirement for these positive outcomes is the establishment of a robust, sustainable, and competitive supply chain, according to Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association (PSEW).
During a press conference held on January 10, experts underscored the potential for substantial growth in the wind industry facilitated by new European Union (EU) regulations. Notable among these are the Net Zero Industry Act, adopted in 2023, and the European Wind Energy Charter. Gajowiecki believes that these regulatory measures will not only swiftly create new capacities for driving Europe with clean and safe electric energy but also foster the development of the industrial base within the EU.
Gajowiecki expressed optimism, stating, “This is support for producers who will have to locate their investments in the EU, including Poland. For us, it is a great opportunity to leverage these instruments and funds based on today’s EU policy, enabling the establishment of new factories for the most modern turbines and components for wind farm turbines in our country.”
Acknowledging the positive steps taken by the Polish government, including signing the European Wind Energy Charter and engaging in an open dialogue on specific regulations, Gajowiecki emphasized the potential for optimism within the wind industry.
He explained, “Actions taken by the EU if implemented by the Polish government, will result in the national value chain, the so-called ‘local content,’ for onshore wind energy being 75% by 2030, and for offshore wind energy – an industry we are just entering and learning about – even reaching 50%.”
The Wind Industry Hub Foundation (WIH), established by the PSEW, aims to provide support for the development of service and product support within the wind sector. The foundation presented a comprehensive 10-step plan outlining essential actions to strengthen the Polish wind industry, positioning it as a pivotal element of the national economy.
Experts, referring to data from the report, highlighted the need for a change in the location law from 700 to 500 meters and the acceleration of the permit issuance process, currently taking 7 to 9 years, as critical conditions for the industry’s development.
Dominika Taranko, Managing Director and Vice President of the Wind Industry Hub Foundation, emphasized the enormous potential in the development of the supply chain for onshore and offshore wind energy. She stated, “By 2030, we aim to double the installed capacities both on land and at sea. Estimates from Wind Europe show that to achieve these goals, we need not only funding and mobilization from investors and developers but also a stable, well-organized supply chain.”
The WIH Foundation is poised to assist Polish companies in establishing cooperation with foreign contractors, facilitating procurement proceedings, and collaborating with government bodies at both national and regional levels, as well as international organizations.
Taranko emphasized the foundation’s goal, stating, “Our aim is for the national industry, transforming towards sustainability, towards the wind and renewable energy industry, to provide services for foreign clients as well, not only for Polish projects.”
She added that the foundation will advocate for updating the state’s industrial and energy policies, collaborate with training and scientific centres to provide entrepreneurs with knowledge, and offer information on financing opportunities both domestically and abroad, as well as certifications necessary for wind energy project implementation.
“Above all, however, we will engage in discussions with industry participants to understand their problems and challenges, enabling effective lobbying on their behalf,” Taranko concluded.
Read the full report in Polish from the Wind Industry Hub Foundation.