n March 31, 2022, 10 organizations representing 11.5 thousand of companies and around 700 municipalities around Poland called on the government to unblock the development of onshore wind power as a guarantee of national security and energy independence. Based on the current geopolitical situation, the joint Appeal states that the rapid reduction of Poland’s dependence on fossil fuels and the sustainable and balanced development of renewables, including onshore wind power, are the core of energy security.
In 2016, the Polish government adopted the 10H rule, resulted in exclusion of 99% of Poland’s territories from the possibility of investing in onshore wind projects.. Today, despite strong public support (85% of Poles voted for wind power), development of new onshore wind projects is still blocked. Polish business is convinced that the war in Ukraine demonstrates the importance and urgency of accelerating green energy transition and attracting new investments in renewables for strengthening Poland’s sovereignty and national interests. “The dynamic development of onshore wind power industry will ensure the supply of cheap green energy, which, in turn, will speed up the process of gaining independence from Russian fossil fuels, as well as increase the energy security of Poland,” the Appeal said.
“We couldn`t miss a chance to build an independent and energy efficient Poland. A worthy response to current geopolitical challenges is wind, which not only reduces domestic demand for energy imports, but also guarantees 3-3.5 times lower cost of electricity generation comparing to fossil fuels,” noted Januzs Gajowiecki, President of the Polish Wind Energy Association.
Andriy Konechenkov, Chairman of the UWEA Board, also expressed his support for the appeal of 10 organizations and pointed out that the war in Ukraine stopped all the wind projects that had been already under development and construction in the country. “This war has changed our approach to life, energy security and independence. I believe that after this war, Ukraine will set even more ambitious goals for renewable energy. This war has made us stronger and more aware of how significant and important renewables are for the peaceful world. We have to phase out fossil and nuclear sources as soon as possible. Fight for green wind energy! For new wind projects in Poland! As soon as the war in Ukraine is over, we will join you!” Andriy Konechenkov stressed.
