Offshore wind energy is expected to become an increasingly important part of Poland’s power generation mix, with new projects in the Baltic Sea supported by larger turbine technologies, industrial investment and expanding domestic supply chains.
According to the Polish Wind Energy Association, modern offshore wind farms operating in Polish waters are expected to achieve capacity factors of between 40 and 50 percent, depending on wind conditions and project location. This compares with around 35 to 40 percent for modern onshore wind installations in Poland and approximately 10 to 15 percent for photovoltaic systems.
One of the first large-scale projects under development is Baltic Power, a 1.2 GW offshore wind farm that will use 15 MW V236 turbines supplied by Vestas. The turbines are among the largest currently available on the market and are intended to support higher generation efficiency and long-term operational performance.
The offshore wind sector is also contributing to industrial development in Poland. In Gdańsk, the Baltic Towers facility has started operations and is expected to produce up to 150 turbine towers annually for 15 MW-class turbines. The plant is projected to employ around 500 workers. Meanwhile, Windar Renovables is developing a manufacturing facility in Szczecin that is expected to create approximately 450 jobs.
Industry representatives say offshore wind development offers Poland an opportunity to establish a long-term industrial base linked to the energy transition, rather than relying solely on imported technologies. The sector is also viewed as a means of improving energy security by reducing exposure to fuel price volatility and geopolitical risks associated with conventional energy sources.
At the same time, the industry has faced increasing public debate around the environmental and economic impact of offshore wind farms. In response, the Polish Wind Energy Association and the ORLEN Foundation have launched educational initiatives aimed at addressing misinformation surrounding the sector. These activities include the “Sea of Wind” campaign and the launch of the informational platform morzewiatru.pl, which provides data and research related to offshore wind development.
The first phase of offshore wind investment in Poland is estimated to exceed PLN 130 billion, according to industry forecasts, while total investment in the sector could reach PLN 500 billion by 2040.