Regulatory Other

The General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) in Poland published national guidelines on the environmental impact assessment of offshore wind farms, which apply to all Polish projects including those developed by Polenergia and Equinor. The document classifies offshore wind farms as projects that "always significantly affect" the environment, making a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) mandatory due to potential impacts on marine ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity. GDOŚ clarifies that, within areas already covered by location permits (PSZW), it is possible in the EIA process to require limiting the built-up portion of the permitted area with wind farm elements if this is the only way to minimise significant negative effects. The guidance stresses that such restrictions should be a last resort, after assessing alternative mitigation options, and that cumulative impacts with other projects must also be considered.