Poland to hook to grid 6 GW of offshore wind by 2025 - report

January 24 (Renewables Now) - Poland's first offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea will be connected to the national energy system by the end of 2025, adding 5.9 GW to 6 GW of installed capacity, deputy environment minister Ireneusz Zyska told Polish news agency PAP.

Five investors are implementing nine projects in the South Baltic and their completion is not jeopardised in any way, Zyska added, as quoted by PAP on Tuesday. The first farms will generate electricity already in 2026, but the 2027-2028 period will be the time when offshore wind energy will be in full force in the Polish Baltic Sea.

He noted that the Baltic Sea has some of the best wind conditions not only in Europe, but also in the world, which allows wind turbines to achieve 45% to 50% efficiency.

Polish companies such as PKN Orlen, power utility PGE, energy group Polenergia as well as foreign sector players have already shown great interest in the construction of wind farms in the Polish waters of ??the Baltic Sea.

He also pointed out that projects are already underway in the country to ensure the entire production chain for the needs of the sector, such as a factory for wind turbines by Vestas Wind Systems A/S (CPH:VWS), a production facility for turbine towers, installation terminals in Sinoujscie and Gdansk.

However, he admitted that at this stage the Polish industry lacks the experience and the technology for such projects but thanks to the cooperation with foreign peers the domestic sector can increase its competence and grow professionally.