Poland Offshore Wind Poised for Growth
By the EMIS Insights Editorial Team
Offshore wind energy is on the rise on a global scale and is expected to reach 520 GW by 2040 according to Rystad Energy. Within that category, Europe plays a key role with ambitious plans to decarbonise the continent’s economy. According to Rystad’s calculations, Europe will account for around 70% of the 520 GW in offshore wind. Within the EU itself, wind sits right next to solar power in terms of importance in the general plan to develop the region’s renewable capacity. With strong EU and state support, wind energy is supposed to grow exponentially in the next years.
WindEurope forecasts that the 27 EU states will install 200 GW in wind energy between 2024 and 2030, which amounts to 29 GW a year on average. Of that, around a third of new installations should be offshore ones, showing a strong potential, given the relatively slow level of development in the past, compared to onshore wind energy.
While onshore wind energy has already seen a great uptick in most EU states, offshore wind remains a project still largely on paper, with only Denmark and the UK making a foray in the field. In the Baltic region, there is untapped potential, given the relatively shallow sea level and strong predictable winds. The estimated offshore capacity potential in the Baltic region can reach up to 90 GW.
In August 2022, the eight countries surrounding the Baltic Sea signed the Marienborg Declaration, committing to develop 19.6 GW energy from offshore wind by 2030. Poland emerges as one of the key beneficiaries - according to government plans, up to 5.9 GW of offshore capacity is supposed to be launched by 2030. That sits next to the 14 GW of onshore wind energy planned within the same time span.
Poland's offshore wind sector is poised for significant growth, strengthened by recent investments by key local players as well as the government’s push to develop both the wind energy production capacity and the underlying infrastructure. The development of the new offshore wind farm installation terminal in Świnoujście and the upcoming production facility for wind towers in Gdańsk, mark a pivotal shift towards expanding the country's renewable energy capabilities. These projects, coupled with Poland's commitment to increasing its offshore wind capacity, are set to position the country as a leader in the regional green energy market.
Looking ahead, Poland may emerge as one of the local leaders in the field - with ambitious plans and growing know-how on wind energy development, it is set to accelerate its energy transition. Strengthened by the potential of the Baltic Sea as a future hub for offshore wind, Poland is expected to see substantial economic benefits, including job creation and technological advancements. The offshore wind sector's expansion will not only contribute to the country's energy security and sustainability goals but also attract further international investment and foster innovation in the renewable energy field. The strategic positioning of Poland as a hub for offshore wind projects underscores a promising future, with the potential to become a significant player in the global renewable energy market.