PSEW: Unfulfilled election promises and billion-dollar losses without the wind farm law

The lack of investment in onshore wind farms exposes Poland to rising energy prices and massive losses, according to the latest analysis by the Polish Wind Energy Association (PSEW). While offshore wind farm construction in the Baltic Sea is beginning, the prolonged legislative process of the wind farm law results in higher electricity costs, dependence on imported coal, lower GDP, and empty local government budgets. The total losses Poland will incur due to the absence of the wind farm law will amount to as much as 63 billion PLN by 2030.

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02 february 2025   |   12:39   |   Source: PSEW / Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Polskie Stowarzyszenie Energetyki Wiatrowej

The wind farm bill has completed interdepartmental consultations and, after removing contentious provisions, is set to be submitted to the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers. The bill abolishes the 10H rule, reducing the minimum distance between turbines and buildings. According to estimates from the Polish Wind Energy Association (PSEW), lowering the minimum distance from 700 to 500 meters will unlock approximately 41 GW of wind potential by 2040.

- The wind farm bill is a government priority, as outlined in the '100 Specific Actions for the First 100 Days' plan. Urgently accelerating investments in renewable energy sources, including onshore wind farms, is crucial for reducing energy costs, ensuring economic stability, and supporting local communities. Every delay in this matter places an additional financial burden on households and businesses, says Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.

PSEW warns: Days without the bill cost millions

The lack of investment in onshore wind farms exposes Poland to rising energy prices and economic losses, as highlighted in the latest PSEW analysis:

• Higher electricity costs: Annual excess electricity costs due to greater reliance on coal will reach 6.6 billion PLN by 2030. This year alone, Poland will spend over 1.1 billion PLN on imported coal, and this amount will continue to rise without unlocking onshore wind energy.
• Lost local revenue: Municipalities will lose over 80 million PLN this year (225,000 PLN daily) from property taxes, CIT, and PIT. If wind farms were built at the pace planned in the National Energy and Climate Plan (KPEiK), municipalities would receive half a billion PLN more by 2030 (1.3 million PLN daily).
• Impact on GDP: New onshore wind farms would generate around 2 billion PLN annually in additional GDP, benefiting the struggling construction and design sectors.
• Lower electricity prices: Each gigawatt of installed onshore wind energy reduces electricity costs by over 9 PLN per megawatt-hour (MWh). Without these investments, Poland’s GDP growth in 2030 will be 0.2% lower, as electricity prices will be over 55 PLN/MWh higher (already over 9 PLN/MWh higher this year).
• Farmers’ losses: Delays in wind energy investments harm farmers leasing land for wind farms, resulting in daily losses of 200,000 PLN, accumulating to 440 million PLN by 2030 (1.2 million PLN daily).

- We cannot afford to waste this potential. Every year of blocking wind energy is an economic, environmental, and social loss. Onshore wind power is a modern, efficient, and long-term driver of economic growth. It’s time to accelerate Poland’s energy transition, in line with pre-election promises. Unnecessary delays are causing real losses in the power system and will lead to economic regression. Wind energy is not just about energy independence and security; it also provides the cheapest electricity—its production cost is 3 to 3.5 times lower than fossil fuels, says Janusz Gajowiecki.

Energy prices in Poland remain among the highest in Europe

Electricity prices in Poland remain high, ranking among the most expensive in Europe for industrial nations. Immediate decisions and actions are needed to level the playing field globally and within the EU.

- One of the most pressing energy issues today is pricing. Polish and European industries must compete with the U.S. and China, where businesses have access to cheap fossil fuels and renewable energy. Improving conditions for renewable energy development is essential for lowering electricity prices in Poland and maintaining industrial competitiveness. According to the latest National Energy and Climate Plan (KPEiK), Poland's installed renewable energy capacity should reach 57 GW by 2030 and exceed 90 GW by 2040. Without unlocking new wind energy capacity, Poland will not meet this demand, says Dr. Joanna Pandera, President of the Energy Forum.

- Wind power has the potential to be a key tool in fighting the energy crisis and high electricity prices in Poland. The country has excellent wind conditions, and wind farm construction is both inexpensive and fast compared to alternatives. Within 2-3 years of regulatory changes, we could see additional capacity in the power system—critical given the planned shutdown of aging coal plants and Poland's looming energy gap, adds Michał Hetmański, CEO of the Instrat Foundation.

He further emphasizes: "Each 1 GW of onshore wind power significantly contributes to Poland’s energy sovereignty and security. Under current conditions, 1 GW of wind turbines reduces gas demand by 0.5 billion cubic meters."

psew polskie stowarzyszenia energetyki wiatrowej offshore ustawa wiatrakowa

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