Poland’s wind energy development deemed a success

Deputy Environment Minister Janusz Ostapiuk commented that “We will definitely see further development [of wind energy in Poland]. Every year our capacity will increase by 550 MW – this may not be as much as we would want, but I think that it is the optimal amount.”

Participants at the conference noted that the best sites for wind turbines are already either being used or are scheduled to be built, so from 2020 onwards Poland will have to develop offshore wind farms.

Ostapiuk assured that his Ministry is working to enable the construction of offshore wind farms, although he noted that initiatives would have to come from private investors as offshore turbines cost four times as much as land-based ones.

Addressing concerns raised about regulation during the conference, Ostapiuk added that he is against the current decentralised system under which every county is able to make its own decisions on what constitutes suitable land on which to build wind turbines.

The Polish government’s current target is to produce 13GW of wind power per annum by 2030, increasing to 21GW by 2050.

The conference, focusing on renewable energy, was hosted by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. (sl/rg)

Source: PAP