Polish Parliament Approves Amendment to Offshore Wind Act, Aims for 18 GW Capacity by 2040
The Polish Sejm has passed a government bill amending the Act on the Promotion of Electricity Generation in Offshore Wind Farms (Offshore Wind Act). The vote on November 27 concluded with 409 MPs in favor, 13 against, and 5 abstentions, with 33 MPs absent. The amendment, introduced on November 14 as document 811, focuses on price differentiation for energy generated by offshore wind farms and fed into the grid.
Key changes involve Article 31, Section 11, allowing the Minister of Climate, after consultation with other ministries, to set differentiated maximum energy prices based on location-specific factors such as distance from shore and geological conditions. Previously, a uniform maximum price was applied.
Ireneusz Zyska, a Law and Justice (PiS) MP and former plenipotentiary for renewable energy, highlighted the act's role in achieving 18 GW of offshore capacity by 2040, representing 23% of Poland’s energy production. The legislation supports a public aid system using a contract-for-difference mechanism and promotes local industry participation in building offshore wind infrastructure.
Anna Sobolak of the Civic Coalition emphasized the amendment’s potential to lower electricity costs, enhance green transformation leadership, and unlock EU funds tied to the National Reconstruction Plan (KPO). She also criticized past PiS policies for hindering renewable energy progress.
The bill is set to take effect the day after its publication, reinforcing Poland's commitment to sustainable energy development and the growing offshore wind sector.
Source: Gramwzielone
