Poland to increase wind energy capacity 26-fold

Although Poland’s current total installed capacity of 472 MW is significantly smaller than many other European countries, Poland is already leading the EU’s newer member states in the production of wind power electricity. In 2008, wind covered a 0.5% share of the country’s electricity consumption, but by 2010 this should rise to 2.3%, the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA) says.

By 2020, Poland is expected to have a total installed capacity of up to 12,500 MW, of which 12,000 will be onshore installed capacity and the rest offshore, EWEA’s Pure Power report finds. Poland has not yet ventured into offshore wind energy, but the ‘Energy Policy of Poland until 2030’, adopted by the Polish Council of Ministers in November 2009, outlines the country’s intention to support the development of wind farms both on land and at sea.

“Poland is not yet visible on the world wind energy map, but our country does have a significant development potential,” PWEA says. While no detailed maps of the country’s wind resources are available, PWEA says that its wind conditions are close to those of Germany – and Germany is a leader in exploiting wind energy.

“Wind is an inexhaustible and renewable energy source, its exploitation allows us to save limited fossil fuels resources,” PWEA said, adding that wind energy can also help improve air quality by eliminating sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions, as well as dust particles. “Wind energy allows us to reach numerous ecologocial, economic and social advantages,” PWEA said.

From 20-23 April this year Poland will host Europe’s largest wind energy conference and exhibition, the European Wind Energy Conference (EWEC).

www.ewec2010.info/

www.ewea.org