Renewable energy in Poland is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by a series of regulatory reforms to energize the sector. “The 10H Rule was amended last year, significantly facilitating the development of onshore wind projects,” says Anita Michalska, a Consultant at Taylor Hopkinson, to Energía Estratégica España. 

The rule, introduced in 2016, required wind turbines to be installed at a distance of ten times their height from residential areas. Since 2023, this restriction has been reduced to 700 metres, eliminating a major barrier for developers.

In addition, the Polish government has ramped up its efforts through renewable energy auctions, which promise to inject 17 billion złoty into new projects. “These auctions are designed to promote technologies such as solar and wind energy and represent a strategic opportunity to accelerate the energy transition,” Michalska notes.

The impact of reforms on technological development

The easing of regulatory frameworks has enabled greater deployment of key technologies such as photovoltaics, wind energy, and energy storage. According to Michalska, Poland has surpassed 30 GW of combined installed solar and wind energy capacity, marking a significant milestone. However, this growth has also exposed structural challenges. “The lack of adequate ESS has contributed to negative energy prices last year when more energy was generated than could be consumed,” she explains.

Poland is promoting investments in energy storage solutions and grid modernisation to address this issue. “Many companies are resorting to cable pooling, sharing infrastructure between solar and wind projects to optimise grid capacity,” Michalska adds. These temporary measures are helping to maximise the use of available resources while more robust solutions are developed.

Ongoing challenges in the regulatory framework

Despite the progress, lengthy permitting processes and a lack of grid capacity remain significant obstacles. “Developers may have their projects ready, but everything depends on regulations and auctions, which often favour large or state-owned companies,” Michalska points out.

Another challenge is Poland’s historical reliance on coal, which has slowed the transition to renewable energy sources. However, the war in Ukraine has underscored the need for energy independence, driving renewed focus on clean energy initiatives.

Auctions and future prospects

Recent renewable energy auctions, such as those announced for late 2023, are a key tool for sector growth. These initiatives align with the government’s ambitious plans to achieve 11 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040 and meet the European Union’s climate goals. “The auctions are promising, but their implementation often faces delays due to lengthy administrative processes,” Michalska warns.

Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains optimistic. “Poland is moving in the right direction, leading Eastern Europe in renewable energy development,” Michalska concludes.

Compliance with EU Goals

As a member of the European Union, Poland faces pressure to meet ambitious climate objectives. The country’s historical reliance on coal has made the transition more difficult, but the war in Ukraine has accelerated efforts to achieve energy independence through renewable sources. “Although Poland lags behind countries like Germany and Spain, it leads the way in Eastern Europe,” says Michalska.

With plans to reach 11 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040 and a focus on diversifying renewable technologies, the country appears to be on the right path. However, Michalska stresses that achieving these goals will depend on modernising the electrical grid, streamlining regulatory processes, and investing in specialised human capital. “Growth is promising, but the future will depend on the strategic decisions made today,” she concludes.