Polish industry deserves a wise industrial policy in offshore development

Polish industry has great potential to be a significant player in the global offshore wind supply chain. However, without a sound, strategic industrial policy focused on RES, including in particular the offshore wind sector, we risk being left behind. The clock is ticking and immediate action is crucial.

Therefore, Poland urgently needs an industrial policy aimed at supporting the offshore wind energy supply chain. What should be included in it, what elements should it focus on – these questions will be answered by the participants of the Round Table “How to use the potential of the Polish industry in the offshore wind sector” during the Offshore Conference on 21-22 November at the Sheraton Hotel.

Electricity from the first Polish wind farm in the Baltic Sea will flow as early as 2026. There has never been such a dynamically developing renewable energy technology in Poland before. Poland can and should be a leader in the development of offshore wind in the Baltic, because it is offshore wind energy that will have a huge impact on the country’s energy independence. As geopolitical tensions will stay with us for a long time and security becomes fundamental, relying only on ‘external market forces’ is not only risky but also uncertain.

A great opportunity for local industry

The current geopolitical situation makes it necessary to design technological solutions that will strengthen our security and have a positive impact on the economy and society. Offshore wind energy is the only large-scale renewable source capable of ensuring the highest degree of energy independence with the support of Polish companies’ potential.

The new branch of the economy will benefit the so-called local content – i.e. Polish companies involved in the production and supply chain. Entrepreneurs forming the domestic supply chain have the potential to offer major structural components, i.e. wind towers or underwater support structures, in the near future. However, urgent support and decisive investment activities are needed.

– Although Polish companies have demonstrated the ability to compete globally in many industrial sectors, in the area of offshore wind energy we should fight for more new companies, more jobs, or high added value based on technology development. We welcome new investments in the sector with hope, but without a targeted policy we will not have the competence and experience, as well as the financing and human resources – necessary to compete on European and global markets, despite the huge potential,’ says Maciej Mierzwiński, CEO of CEE Energy Group.

While other countries are charting clear strategic courses for offshore wind supply chains, Poland may find itself in a dangerous limbo. Much has been done, but it is time for a conscious reordering of priorities. The solution could be a conscious industrial policy that prioritises factory development, projects, industry education, or raising finance.

Source: PortalMorski.pl