Biznes Fakty
The President's First Veto? „This Solution Will Not Gain Acceptance”
The proposed wind farm legislation, which also encompasses measures to prolong the freeze on electricity prices until the end of this year, will not receive the endorsement of President Karol Nawrocki, as stated by his spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz. He indicated that the president intends to propose an alternative solution that would allow for the continuation of the electricity price freeze.
The president’s spokesperson was questioned on Monday regarding whether the president would endorse the so-called wind farm legislation, which not only aims to liberalize the investment framework for onshore wind farms but also maintains electricity prices for households at their current levels until year-end.
Leśkiewicz responded that the latter aspect is „evident” for Nawrocki, but integrating it into the wind farm legislation, in his view, puts the president in a „difficult position”.
„This approach will definitely not be approved by the president. Discussions are currently ongoing within the Presidential Chancellery, and we will unveil our proposal shortly,” he stated.
Election promise „33 percent less for electricity in 100 days”
When asked if this implied a legislative initiative from the president regarding his election commitment of „33 percent less for electricity in 100 days”, Leśkiewicz reassured that the president is determined to keep this promise.
– President Karol Nawrocki will undoubtedly introduce a measure that will facilitate the freezing of electricity prices, and we will observe how the Polish government responds to it – he remarked.
Leśkiewicz: the president has not reached a final decision
Shortly after 2:00 p.m., Leśkiewicz posted on social media that „the president has not yet come to a conclusion regarding the wind farm legislation„.
He also stressed that fulfilling campaign commitments regarding energy prices will be the primary focus of President Karol Nawrocki. „All actions taken by President Karol Nawrocki will aim to reduce electricity prices, in alignment with the promises made during the electoral campaign,” he emphasized. „It was the government that restricted the Energy Shield until the end of September and intentionally included it in the 'wind farm law,'” he stated.
Leśkiewicz also recalled previous legislative efforts. „The earlier draft of the wind farm legislation failed due to lobbying activities in January 2024. Given these circumstances, the issue necessitates further, detailed examination,” he added.
Wind farm law and price freeze
Last week, Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka urged President Karol Nawrocki to approve the amendment to the so-called Wind Farm Act. He believes it is a thoroughly prepared regulation that ensures low energy prices.
The primary aim of the so-called Wind Farm Act is to liberalize the current regulations governing onshore wind farm investments. The amendment eliminates the 10H rule established in 2016 and sets a minimum distance of 500 meters for new wind turbines from residential structures, compared to the current 700 meters.
Aside from the provisions concerning the construction of wind turbines, the act contains a clause introduced during parliamentary discussions that extends the freeze on the net electricity price for households to PLN 500 per MWh until the fourth quarter of 2025. Presently, the freeze is set to last until the end of September.
