The Polish Wind Energy Association (PSEW) warns that the deficiency of urgent adoption of an amendment to the Wind Wind Energy Act could cost Poland over PLN 60 billion. These provisions, which may open the way for a quadruple increase in the capacity installed in wind energy by 2040, are inactive pending approval by the Council of Ministers and further proceedings in the Sejm.
Revision of the Windmill Act – Key Changes
The bill provides for the abolition of the restrictive 10H regulation and the simplification of the minimum distance of wind turbines from buildings from 700 to 500 metres. According to PWEA analysis, this will let to make about 41 GW of power by 2040. This is crucial due to the fact that Poland presently has only 10 GW installed from land wind farms.
63 billion losses and more costly energy
"The full losses suffered by Poland as a consequence of the deficiency of windmill law are PLN 63 billion by 2030. More costly current, dependence on coal from imports, lower GDP and empty local self-governments – these are the real consequences of the protracted legislative process of the Wind Energy Act" - observes the Polish Wind Energy Association, as quoted by Virtual Poland.
In addition, according to PWEA analyses, any fresh gigawatt installed from land wind farms could reduce the energy price by over PLN 9 per megawatt hr (MWh). This is crucial for households and industry, especially in the face of rising energy costs.
The government considers the bill a priority, but time is moving out.
The wind bill procedure was included in the program "100 concretes for 100 days of government". Janusz Gajowiecki, president of PWEA, emphasises:
– An urgent acceleration of investment in renewable energy sources, including land wind farms, is crucial to reducing energy costs, ensuring economical stableness and supporting the improvement of local communities. Any hold in this respect is an additional financial burden for households and businesses.
The climate minister fears the President's veto
Despite the affirmative attitude of the government to adopt fresh regulations, concerns arise about the further destiny of the bill. Climate and environment minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska points out the hazard of president Andrzej Duda vetoing the bill.
– Then I uncertainty it. I fear this bill will be blocked by president Duda for political reasons. We request to consider whether it is worth giving him this opportunity, after our hard work," she said in Polsat News.
The Minister stresses that the government's precedence was to safe the future of Polish energy. This is where we did our part, that was our priority. Even though the Capacity marketplace Act regulates this," added Hennig-Kloska.
Will Poland take advantage of wind energy potential?
Adopting the amendment to the law may increase the pace of investment in wind farms, contributing to lower energy prices, strengthen energy independency and improve the financial situation of local governments. However, any hold risks losing immense resources and further increases in energy prices.
Decisions will be taken in the coming weeks and their effects will be felt throughout the economy. The Sejm is expected to address the amendment in February, but whether the bill comes into force depends not only on the parliamentarians, but besides on the President's decision.
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Windmill manufacture Presses Government: Poland may lose billions by delays in the Windmill Act
