Poland scraps wind distance rule to rid itself of Russian 'energy dependence'
Cabinet in Warsaw approves amendment to Wind Power Investment Act to reduce minimum distance between wind turbines and buildings to 500 metres
The Polish cabinet has approved a new law that would if passed abolish a rule introduced by the populist predecessor government that has severely limited the expansion of onshore wind.
If Poland's parliament also approves the amendment to the to the country’s Wind Power Investment Act, which is likely, it will establish a minimum distance of only 500 metres from wind turbines to the nearest buildings.
Under the previous rule, wind farms had to keep a distance of 10 times the hub height from the nearest settlement, which often meant 2,000 metres or more.
“This huge difference in potential speaks for itself, and we do not have the time or money to waste this great opportunity for our economy.”
Gajowiecki said the current government of liberal-conservative Prime Minister Donald Tusk has shown that it seeks to strengthen Poland with its energy policy.
“What they are not happy about is hostile countries that would like to keep us in energy dependence,” he said.
“As the government is unblocking wind energy, it is strengthening the country's sovereignty and security. With this, Poland strengthens its position in the EU, contributing to building a secure, modern and sovereign energy system for the entire continent.”
The Eastern European country has been working hard to get rid of its previous energy dependency on Russian oil and gas through onshore and offshore wind, while Tusk has also sought to diminish its reliance on CO2-emitting coal.
But the PWEA boss also pointed out that the policy change has also caused friction.
“The actions destabilising our energy system and the influx of disinformation from Russia and Belarus surrounding the green transition clearly emphasise the need for Poland to become independent from foreign coal imports,” he said.
“Wind energy is the energy of freedom. … Many of the opinions circulating about wind farms, often spread by so-called ‘fake news’, are simply untrue. Wind is an energy source that is safe for human health and environmentally friendly.
“It does not pollute the air, does not generate carbon dioxide or other harmful substances - it is clean energy, which we can have in abundance in Poland.”
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