Polish Parliament Approves Legislation to Expand Onshore Wind Farm Development
The Polish parliament has approved a new bill aimed at easing the rules for the construction of onshore wind farms, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to increase renewable energy production and lower electricity prices, as reported by Reuters.
The legislation reduces the distance requirements between wind farms and residential areas, while maintaining stricter regulations for projects near protected natural sites.
The bill also includes provisions that freeze energy prices for households until the end of the year, as well as incentives for municipalities and homeowners in areas where new wind farms will be built. The government views the bill as a crucial move towards achieving its renewable energy goals and addressing rising electricity costs.
Renewable Energy Expansion and Economic Impact
Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska said, “This is a step towards lower power prices for Poles and for the economy, an idea we all share. The more power we have from renewable sources, the lower electricity prices will be.”
In the past, onshore wind farm development faced significant opposition under the previous administration, which blocked many proposed projects. However, the new legislation signals a change in direction as Poland looks to accelerate its renewable energy growth.
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Next Steps and Political Challenges
According to Reuters, while the bill has passed through the parliament, it still needs approval from the Senate and must be signed by the president.
Both the outgoing president Andrzej Duda and president-elect Karol Nawrocki have expressed skepticism about relaxing the permitting requirements for wind farms. Duda also voiced concerns, claiming that the government was attempting to pressure him into signing the bill by including the last-minute energy price freeze provision.
Poland’s renewable energy output has been growing steadily, although coal still dominates the country's power mix. In 2024, renewable sources accounted for nearly 30% of Poland’s electricity generation, with onshore wind farms contributing 11 gigawatts of installed capacity.
