Biznes Fakty
Magda Łucyan: this law does not force anyone to build a windmill
This legislation does not compel anyone to construct a wind turbine; rather, it expands the areas in our nation where such turbines can be established. It remains a very limited space, remarked Magda Łucyan, host of the program „Rozmowy o Końcu Świata” (Conversations about the End of the World) on TVN24. Szymon Kowalski, vice president of the Polish Wind Energy Association, highlighted the significance of wind turbines for affordable and sustainable energy, noting their essential role in Poland’s energy transition.
In a discussion on TVN24, Szymon Kowalski acknowledged President Karol Nawrocki’s assertion that the public opposes wind turbines by stating that „some individuals certainly do.” Nevertheless, he pointed out that „the survey released today shows that the overwhelming majority of Poles desire inexpensive and renewable energy.”
„Windmills are being established throughout Poland today. We are engaging with municipalities; some oppose windmills, while others express their support, saying yes, we want windmills. Society is highly polarized and divided. The election campaign, which capitalized on extreme anti-wind sentiments, was not beneficial,” he stated. He further mentioned that „without windmills, we cannot achieve green energy.”
Windmills and energy independence
Magda Łucyan asserted that „without renewable energy, especially onshore wind energy, which is the most economical, we will struggle to establish a strong footing on energy independence, which is essential today.”
„Throughout the election campaign, President Karol Nawrocki repeatedly vowed to lower electricity prices by 33 percent, claiming he would achieve this through Polish coal. Unfortunately, the contrast between these statements and reality is startling, as Polish coal is currently the most expensive globally,” she remarked.
„This year alone, we will inject PLN 9 billion into the Polish mining sector. According to the Central Statistical Office, there are approximately 80,000 miners working in Poland. Onshore wind energy alone could generate around 110,000 jobs. The figures alone underscore the importance of this matter and the extent to which it is manipulated in the public discourse,” she added.
Łucyan noted that „this legislation does not compel anyone to erect a wind turbine. It merely expands the areas in our country where such structures could be established. It remains quite limited.” She emphasized that „residents would have a voice in the decision-making process,” and furthermore, „they would gain significantly from it, as the law mandates that large firms constructing wind turbines must compensate residents and the municipality.”
„Current municipalities in Poland that have opted to install wind turbines are receiving substantial financial benefits. We have demonstrated this on Fakty and TVN24: how these municipalities are modernizing and what investments they can undertake with this funding, in addition to producing clean and affordable energy,” she stated.
Altering the minimum distance for wind turbines
When questioned about the importance of modifying the minimum distance of wind turbines from buildings from 700 to 500 meters, Vice President Kowalski clarified that „it represents a difference in the potential our country has for wind energy development.”
„At 700 meters, we have the potential for over twenty gigawatts of power, which would allow us to at most double our current capacity. At 500 meters, we are looking at a potential of 30-40 gigawatts, meaning we could even triple what we currently possess,” he explained.
He added that „wind energy represents a fair transition” and criticized the stereotype that only large corporations reap the benefits.
„Smaller enterprises also own wind turbines in Poland, and they benefit from this. Municipalities gain advantages as well since wind turbines are situated in numerous locations, thereby generating tax revenue that supports more municipalities than a single power plant would,” he elaborated.
He emphasized that this law is critical not only because of the change in distance but also because it streamlines construction processes without circumventing residents. „A wind turbine can only be constructed with the municipality’s consent,” the interviewee pointed out.
„Polish coal is the most expensive in the world”
Łucyan, when asked to reflect on the president’s assertion that the green transition will not lower energy prices, declared that it is a vital approach to achieving reductions since „it represents the least expensive energy.”
„Polish coal is the most costly globally. This year alone, we are required to invest PLN 9 billion in the Polish mining sector. These are concrete figures that must be acknowledged,” she stated.
The greatest myth about windmills
Kowalski also addressed the myths surrounding wind turbines that circulate in public discussions.
„The most significant myth pertains to noise and its health
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