The Polish Senate passed an act promoting electricity generation in offshore wind farms. The Offshore Act regulates the method of obtaining public support by investors interested in building offshore wind farms in the Polish exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea. In the initial phase of development of this market, support will be provided for wind farms with a capacity of 5.9 GW. The investments will thus be supported by the state for around 25 years (the approximate life-cycle of a wind farm).
The provisions contained therein may become applicable law at the turn of January and February. Additional regulations are still needed to launch investments. It includes i.e. the regulation on the maximum price for offshore energy, regulations detailing technical requirements for offshore installations, regulation on the detailed scope of expertise and plans to meet maritime safety requirements, regulation on the scope of expertise in the field of impact assessment installations for state defence systems, etc. Nevertheless, the first wind farms launched under this phase could start producing energy as early as 2025.
Kamila Tarnacka, vice-president of the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA), emphasizes that the construction of offshore wind farms in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea means investments worth up to PLN 130 billion (USD 35 billion), which will help mitigate the negative effects of the slowdown caused by the pandemic. She mentions the money pumped into the Polish economy, tens of thousands of new jobs and a chance to build a strong industry in the renewable energy sector, including the revitalization of Polish shipyards and ports.
The industry is praising the new law, which is supposed to become the basis on which the whole offshore industry in the Polish area of the Baltic sea should thrive. The law would thus support the Polish renewable Energy transformation process for many decades to come. Poland is building the system for offshore wind farm industry development, and so makes a significant step forward into establishing the European Green Deal in our country. This may prove useful for applying for further green energy-related EU financial support, says vice-president Tarnacka. She also mentions that the energy potential of the Baltic Sea is enormous and the conditions in the Polish-administered area of the sea are one of the best for this kind of investments. The aim is to develop up to 28GW of power in wind farms and become an offshore leader of the region.
Sources:
https://www.gramwzielone.pl/energia-wiatrowa/104567/ustawa-o-offshore-przyjeta-przez-senat-potrzebne-dodatkowe-regulacje
https://www.prawo.pl/biznes/farmy-wiatrowe-na-baltyku,505266.html