Poland's energy transition is gaining significant momentum, with renewable energy sources (RES) now consistently surpassing coal in the national energy mix, marking a historic shift in the country's energy landscape. This fundamental change, driven by economic and environmental imperatives, positions offshore wind energy as a cornerstone of Poland's future power generation strategy.

For the first time, RES generation frequently exceeds coal-fired power during daylight hours, a trend experts at the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA) confirm is indicative of a lasting transformation. "Every day, during daylight hours, we have much more energy from RES than from coal," stated Piotr Czopek, vice president at the PWEA, emphasizing Poland's entry into a new chapter of its energy transition. Renewable energy, recognized as the most cost-effective source available today, is poised to underpin the future competitiveness of Polish industry within the European and global markets. Offshore wind, in particular, is emerging as a critical, nascent sector.

Poland possesses substantial wind energy potential, especially in its Pomeranian and central regions. By early 2025, the installed capacity of onshore wind farms in Poland had exceeded 9 GW, according to PWEA data. However, the sector's growth has historically been constrained by the '10H rule,' a regulation mandating a minimum distance of ten times a turbine's height from residential buildings. While a 2023 amendment eased these restrictions, providing a much-needed investment impetus, further reforms are deemed essential to fully unlock the sector's capabilities.

Offshore wind is lauded for its inherent stability and high output. "From the point of view of these renewables, it's the most stable source," Czopek affirmed, highlighting the consistent wind conditions in the Baltic Sea. The relatively shallow waters of the Baltic also facilitate easier investment and construction, while offshore locations mitigate concerns about proximity to human settlements. Although no Polish offshore wind farm is yet fully operational, the first turbines are already installed in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Power consortium, a joint venture between Orlen and Canada's Northland Power, is developing a 1200 MW farm, with further projects slated to commence next year. Poland aims to achieve 6,000 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

This ambitious build-out is not merely an energy investment but a significant industrial opportunity. "We are at the initial, ascending stage. Already today, many large factories are being built in Poland – in Szczecin, in Gdansk and in other cities," Czopek noted, citing Baltic Towers in Gdansk as an example of the burgeoning manufacturing base. Poland is attracting both domestic and global players, with significant foreign investments underscoring the perceived profitability of the sector. Offshore wind energy also presents substantial export opportunities, encompassing turbine components, infrastructure, and specialized design services for global markets. At the European level, the rapid expansion of wind energy is viewed as a crucial element in the race to reduce energy costs and achieve ambitious climate targets.