Representatives of the Polish government and entrepreneurs from the offshore wind industry signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation for the development of offshore wind power in Poland. The purpose of this initiative is to take joint action aimed at the development of the offshore wind market in the country.
In the opinion of the Minister of Climate Michał Kurtyka (pictured above) the development of offshore wind farms is an opportunity for Poland’s economic development.
“Offshore wind power will be a strong driver for the Polish economy,” he said. “Thanks to the cooperation of the administration and business, Poland can become a leader in offshore wind in the Baltic Sea and an exporter of cheap and clean energy.”
Government Plenipotentiary for renewable energy sources Ireneusz Zyska also pointed out that cooperation between the government and industry representatives is of key importance for the development of offshore wind.
“In the future, we would like offshore wind farms to be perceived by the general public as a bold step towards a green energy sector in Poland,” added Mr Zyska. “We see these investment projects as huge opportunities for Polish entrepreneurs, including prospects to enter new markets under strengthened cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.”
For the Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak energy security is also an important component of national security.
“Increasing demand for energy with shrinking resources of fossil fuels makes diversification of energy sources necessary,” he pointed out. “The development of offshore wind is a great response to current challenges.”
According to Janusz Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association, the programme of offshore wind farm construction in the Baltic Sea, worth over 130 billion złoty (29 billion euros) can become a driver for the Polish economy and ensure its energy security.
“We are happy to see the involvement of four ministers, demonstrating joint efforts towards these goals and the necessary synergy of actions,” said Mr Gajowiecki. “The Baltic Sea offers some of the world’s most favourable conditions. Therefore the planned construction of 10 gigawatts (GW) offshore is treated as a first step. Poland has a chance to become a leader in the Baltic Sea with a potential of up to 28 GW by 2050.”
Offshore wind power is part of the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030 as one of the key technologies required to meet the EU’s 2030 target for renewable energy sources. It is also one of the strategic projects in Poland’s Energy Policy until 2040. Development of offshore wind brings significant possibilities to support local manufacturing and service enterprises engaged in the supply chain and to put Polish entrepreneurs in a stronger position in the regional, European and global value chain of offshore wind power.
