Poland, like the United States, has set ambitious targets for the realisation and development of offshore wind energy and is currently at the beginning of this path. According to the draft of the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040, the installed capacity in offshore wind projects in Poland is supposed to reach 8–11 GW in 2040 and the first offshore wind farms shall be launched around 2025.

Having similar plans in mind, we are open to cooperation with the United States in order to exchange views and experiences on the development of wind farms at sea and to consider joint initiatives.  We are counting in particular on expanding the presence of American companies in Poland in terms of the production of a key element of every offshore wind turbine, i.e. the generator, said Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment, Government Plenipotentiary for RES, Ireneusz Zyska.

According to the studies by industry organisations (e.g. “Analysis of the supply chain for offshore wind in Poland”, PSEW, PTMEW, 2018), Polish industry has significant potential for development toward the provision of supplies and services related to the construction and operation of offshore wind farms. Already today, almost 100 Polish operators have the know-how needed for the manufacturing of construction and exploitation components required to install the offshore wind farms. Moreover, Poland, due to its geographical location, has the chance to become a hub for the development of offshore technology in the southern part of the Baltic Sea basin.

By using innovative technologies and solutions, we can become an offshore leader in the Baltic Sea. In addition, offshore wind energy in both Europe and North America can help the economy after the slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, added Deputy Minister Zyska.

The meeting also covered the most up-to-date topics related to the development of renewable energy sources in Poland, including the issue of changing the definition of hybrid installation in the Energy Law, as well as prospects for the development of energy storage and hydrogen generating installations in the context of the recent project of the Polish Hydrogen Strategy presented by the Ministry of Climate and Environment.  

The government plenipotentiary for RES also provided the U.S. side with information on the process the call for applications to the My Electricity programme as well as plans to continue the programme in 2021.