The Polish government has published a revised strategy to boost offshore wind energy projects in its waters. State support in the form of Contracts for Difference (CfD) will be issued for 5.9 GW of capacity – up from a previously announced 4.6 GW – according to the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA).
State support for these projects must be approved by June 2021. The greater level of government support correlates with the actual potential of advanced projects, for instance those that already have or will be able to sign a connection agreement, which will enable the support negotiation procedures to start, said the association.
Kamila Tarnacka, vice president of PWEA, explained: “More ambitious targets set for the first phase of development of offshore wind power in Poland and the announced sector deal with the Polish government are also strong signals for companies from the supply chain.
“The Polish wind industry is ready to increase its manufacturing capacity in order to meet the future demand for components and services for wind farms to be built in the Baltic Sea.”
According to PWEA, investors are likely to be responsible for building and financing the connection between wind farms and the onshore grid.
A second phase of development has been outlined for later in the decade. Under the revised agreement, auctions for 2.5 GW of offshore wind energy capacity will take place in 2025 and 2027.
