The new windmill law proposed by the Ministry of Climate and Environment is causing controversy in the wind power industry. The changes, which were supposed to bring a breakthrough, could actually block the development of onshore wind farms. A key problem is the requirement to maintain a distance of 1,500 meters from Natura 2000 areas, which experts say could prevent many projects from going ahead.
The Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA) is warning that the new regulations will have a similar negative impact as the 10H rule introduced eight years ago. That rule, requiring a distance of 10 times the height of the turbine from buildings, effectively blocked the development of wind power for many years. The new rules could lead to Poland’s further dependence on fossil fuels, which is contrary to the goals of the energy transition.
The Ministry of Climate and Environment has announced public consultations on the amendment to the law. The wind power industry hopes that the changes in the law will unlock investment and the development of green energy in Poland.
It is worth mentioning that the current windmill law, signed by President Andrzej Duda in March 2023, introduces the possibility of reducing the minimum distance of windmills from buildings to 700 meters. The planned amendments aim to further reduce this distance to 500 meters to allow for more wind power projects.
The wind energy industry is eagerly awaiting the final form of the legislation, hoping that it will allow the development of green energy and reduce Poland’s dependence on fossil fuels.