Tusk projected that offshore wind farms could provide up to 18 gigawatts of energy, a massive contribution to Poland's energy mix.
"This gives a sense of the immense, practical potential of renewable energy," Tusk noted, underscoring that green energy is key to lowering Poland’s energy costs, which are currently among the highest in Europe. He stressed that access to affordable energy is crucial for both consumers and businesses, a concern frequently raised during economic discussions.
Radio Poland's Marcin Matuszewski has more details on the 2024 European Forum of New Ideas conference in his audio report - available in our player (red button, above and on the left).
Tusk also highlighted the importance of upgrading Poland’s energy grid, announcing a planned investment of PLN 70 billion over the next decade to modernize the country’s power transmission infrastructure. He pointed out that even without significantly expanding onshore wind farms, upgrading existing turbines could increase their energy output by 400-500%, potentially adding 5-6 gigawatts to the national grid—more than the anticipated output of the Kaszuby nuclear plant.
While the first nuclear power plant is being developed with full Polish funding, Tusk stated that Poland would need to seek financial partners for the second plant. "We are realistic and determined to build it, but we need real financial support," he said.
Poland's energy mix
Poland’s energy mix in 2024 remains heavily reliant on coal, which still accounts for over 60% of electricity generation. However, the country is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, particularly in wind power.
Offshore wind is expected to play a major role in Poland's transition, with the government targeting 18 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2040. Solar power has also seen significant growth.
In contrast, nuclear energy remains in the planning stages, with the first plant not expected to be operational until the early 2030s.
(jh/m)
Source: PAP