We have often heard from politicians of the ruling coalition that the project is almost ready and the construction of wind farms, which was practically blocked by PiS, will be possible again. We hear it today too and there is a new deadline – by the end of the year.
A new day and new promises, i.e. a day like any other, although this time it is about the windmill law. – It can easily be submitted to parliament by the end of the year and this is the deadline we would like to meet. It is high time for this bill to be introduced in parliament – assures Paulina Henning-Kloska, Minister of Climate and Environment.
This promise is apparently final, at least according to those who promise it. – I am calm about this bill. I see that we not only have social and political consensus around the distance of 500 meters, but that we also have consensus around the energy transformation – emphasizes Miłosz Motyka, Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment from PSL.
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The bill promised once again is the one that is intended to unblock onshore wind energy, i.e. abolish the provisions introduced in 2016 by Law and Justice. The new regulations are intended to reduce the required distance from the windmill to buildings, i.e. to end the so-called 10H rule.
– We are disappointed with the pace of work. The whole of Poland hoped that the act would come into force at the very beginning of the term of office of the new authorities. We have been waiting for this for a very long time – says Janusz Gajowiecki, president of the Polish Wind Energy Society.
The disappointment is even greater because the announcements were specific and frequent. Meanwhile, autumn, winter, spring and summer have passed, and there was no law, and each month of delay reduces Poland's competitiveness.
– Each new gigawatt of power will mean about PLN 20 less on the electricity bill. Not only for households, but also for industry. We want to have cheaper products and compete on global markets – emphasizes Janusz Gajowiecki.
Renewable energy sources are waiting for technological, systemic and mental changesTVN24
Development of offshore wind farms
Currently, the potential of onshore wind is estimated at about 40 gigawatts, but windmills also mean money for municipalities. The Wolbórz commune receives approximately one and a half million zlotys annually for leasing land for windmills.
– We would like it to be more money, but it is already quite significant (amounts – ed.). You can build something, do something, says Andrzej Jaros, mayor of Wolborz.
Offshore wind energy is also waiting for government regulations, although more is being done legislatively there than in the case of onshore wind energy. A giant crane is currently standing in the port of Gdynia for installing the foundations of offshore wind farms.
– Today we are developing 6 gigawatts of offshore wind farms. The first farm will be built next year, but we hope that the auction will be successfully conducted next year, says Janusz Gajowiecki.
The crane will be responsible for the construction of 76 turbines and two marine power stations in Poland.
Main photo source: tvn24