PKN Orlen and PGE Group, two prominent Polish developers, have emerged as the winners in the latest round of leases for offshore wind projects in Poland. PKN Orlen proudly announced that it has obtained the rights to five prime sites in the Baltic Sea, collectively amounting to an impressive capacity of 5.2GW.
The secured concessions are strategically situated near Kołobrzeg and Łeba, approximately 30km from the country's coastline. PKN Orlen's President, Daniel Obajtek, expressed confidence in their ability to undertake large-scale investments within the country, attributing their success to their previous experience, notably in executing the Baltic Power project and constructing Poland's first offshore wind farm installation terminal.
Obajtek stated, “We will leverage our expertise in the construction of additional wind farms, including the five newly acquired concessions.” This strong foothold in the offshore wind sector positions PKN Orlen as a key player in Poland's renewable energy landscape.
Meanwhile, PGE Group has also made significant strides by securing an additional zone in the recent tender, augmenting their existing portfolio of leases. President Wojciech Dąbrowski emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating that it would be reflected in the update of PGE Group's strategy.
Dąbrowski highlighted the urgent need for Poland to develop its own generation capacity to mitigate the rising costs of electricity and alleviate the burden on consumers. “This is why we are investing in renewable energy sources, including offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea,” he explained. One of the major advantages of energy derived from offshore wind farms is its cost-effectiveness, as it does not incur carbon dioxide emission fees.
Dąbrowski further stressed the importance of obtaining location permits for new offshore wind farms, as they play a crucial role in achieving PGE Group's strategic objectives and bolstering Poland's energy security. The focus on renewable energy sources aligns with Poland's commitment to a sustainable future and reduces the nation's reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based power generation.
With PKN Orlen and PGE Group at the forefront, Poland's offshore wind industry is poised for significant growth, promising cleaner energy production and a more resilient energy infrastructure for the nation.
