National Contact Point for Renewable Energy Sources

The investment process for small-scale wind power systems requires obtaining specific approvals, permits, and decisions. It concludes with obtaining an entry in the register of small RES electricity generators.

Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions (environmental decision) is, in most cases, the first stage in the investment and construction process for onshore wind energy systems.

At this stage, the investment is implemented through the adoption of a local spatial development plan (MPZP) (if none exists), amendment of the MPZP (if the existing plan does not provide for the location of the given type of RES system), or adoption of an integrated investment plan (ZPI) together with an urban planning agreement.

Conditions for connection to the electricity grid are a type of document issued by the distribution or transmission system operator, specifying technical details related to connecting the wind power system and constituting the operator’s obligation to sign a grid connection agreement with the investor. These conditions effectively provide a “temporary reservation of capacity in the grid” for the given project.

If, within 24 months from the date of receipt of the connection conditions, the generator does not conclude a grid connection agreement, the conditions expire and no longer constitute an obligation to conclude such an agreement.

The construction permit is an element of the investment process that forms the basis for commencing construction works on the wind power system. Without this decision, construction works cannot begin, nor can an application for an operational notification be submitted.

After completing the construction of the wind system, in order to commence its operation, it is necessary to submit an operational notification. This procedure confirms the possibility of legally operating the facility in accordance with its intended purpose.

Additionally, in parallel with submitting the operational notification, pursuant to Article 76(4) of the Environmental Protection Law, the provincial environmental inspector must be notified 30 days prior to the planned commissioning date of the system and the planned completion of its start-up.

An entry in the register of small RES electricity generators replaces the obligation to obtain a licence for small wind power systems, i.e., systems with a total installed electrical capacity greater than 50 kW and not exceeding 1 MW.

To commence electricity generation from a small system, it is necessary to obtain an entry in the register of small RES electricity generators, as this activity is regulated by the state. However, the requirements for obtaining such an entry are significantly less stringent than those for obtaining a licence for electricity generation.