Polish President signed an amendment to the Act on the Promotion of Energy from Offshore Wind Farms and other acts, prepared by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. This change in national legislation could translate into new opportunities for local governments and prosumers.
The new opportunities for local governments and prosumers are to be manifested mainly in the possibility of operating energy cooperatives in urban municipalities, facilitation of concluding energy purchase agreements by local government units, as well as broader support for sustainable development criteria and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Previous regulations prevented the establishment of energy cooperatives within urban municipalities. This undoubtedly constituted a barrier to the development of community energy in urban centers, where housing cooperatives, housing communities, and municipalities are particularly interested in this form of energy community.
The amendment also envisages the Minister of Climate developing maps of the potential for specific types of renewable energy sources. These maps will identify the most valuable areas for locating renewable energy installations, ultimately allowing local governments to designate areas for accelerated renewable energy development in collaboration with local communities.
Now, Poland is awaiting a decision by the European Commission on compatibility with the internal market. Until then, the application of the provisions supporting energy cooperatives to municipalities is suspended.
The new regulations are to bring a positive impact on energy communities because they facilitate the development of renewable sources and support prosumers, which is crucial for the development of energy sharing. This is an important step towards the development of the renewable energy sector in Polish regions!