Poland on the crest of a wave in the production of offshore wind energy

Poland has a chance to become a leader in Europe in the development of offshore wind energy , which can significantly contribute to the implementation of the European Union’s climate goals, while increasing the energy security of our country.

Report “Wind energy in Poland”

The “Wind Energy in Poland” report, prepared by the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA), TPA Poland/Baker Tilly TPA and DWF, presents a detailed analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of the wind energy sector in Poland – both onshore and offshore. The document discusses legal aspects, investment conditions and business prospects related to the development of wind farms, as well as identifies challenges and opportunities that may affect the pace of development of this industry in our country.

Analysis of the potential of offshore wind energy and conclusions of the report

The report highlights the importance of offshore wind energy for achieving Poland’s climate goals and its role in strengthening our energy independence. The presented conclusions show both the development prospects and the challenges faced by this sector.

The following are the  reports most important conclusions :

• Development potential – currently Poland has 10 permits for the construction of offshore wind farms, including projects carried out by, among others: Polenergia, Equinor, RWE, Orlen, Ørsted. The  procedure for issuing  permits for another 11 areas is underway.
• New investments – concessions granted last year for 10 areas with a total area of 1000 km², translate into the potential for the development of over 9 GW of capacity. The concessions were divided between PGE and Orlen, 5 for each of the companies.
• Participation of global players – international investors such as Total, Shell, Iberdrola and SEZ Renewables are also competing for Polish maritime areas.
• Potential analysis – according to the report, the actual potential of offshore wind energy in Poland is 33 GW. Such capacity could meet 57 percent of Poland’s annual energy demand, while reducing CO2 emissions by 102 million tons per year.
• Employment and economic benefits – the projects could generate over 100,000 jobs and PLN 178 billion in gross value added at the development stage and PLN 46 billion per year in the operational phase.
• Floating wind farms: By 2050, about 2% of energy from renewable sources could come from floating wind farms. Poland has the potential to implement such projects, which would increase the flexibility of site selection, including areas with higher wind speeds.

Examples of investments of foreign wind industry leaders in Szczecin – Windar Renovables and Vestas

Windar Renovables and Vestas are investing in their projects in Szczecin, focusing on the production of components for offshore wind energy.

Spain’s Windar Renovables is implementing a EUR 70 million investment in a factory within the Szczecin-Świnoujście port complex. The plant, which is expected to be operational in 2026, will produce wind towers, masts and foundations for onshore and offshore installations, creating around 400 jobs. The plant’s strategic location in the port will provide excellent transport capabilities.  ​

Denmark’s Vestas is developing two offshore plants in Szczecin. The first factory, which is expected to start production in 2025, will assemble nacelles and hubs for V236-15.0 MW turbines. It is expected that about 700 people will be employed there. The second factory, which will be built in Skolwin, is to produce blades for the same turbine from 2026, which will provide an additional 1000 new jobs.

Thanks to these investments, Szczecin’s position is strengthened as an important centre for the production of components for offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea and in Europe.

Investments in the offshore wind energy sector and the interest of international energy companies confirm that Poland has a real chance to play a really important role in the development of renewable energy sources in Europe. The expansion of infrastructure and the production of components in Szczecin is a step towards achieving strategic climate goals and ensuring stable economic development of our country.

Sources:

• The report “Wind energy in Poland” prepared by the Polish Wind Energy Association, TPA Poland/Baker Tilly TPA and DWF
• Świat OZE
• Szczecin.eu/pl