Polish Offshore Wind Grid Connections
Poland is developing a major offshore wind sector in the Baltic Sea, with no projects yet operational and the first (Baltic Power, 1,140 MW) expected to reach COD in H2 2026. The regulatory framework centres on the Offshore Wind Act (2021), which established a two-phase CfD support scheme and streamlined permitting.
Unlike Germany, the Netherlands, or Denmark, Poland uses a developer-builds model: wind farm developers build and own all offshore transmission assets (export cables and substations). PSE (the TSO) builds only the onshore grid infrastructure to receive power.
The first-phase pipeline of 5.9 GW (6 projects) is fully under construction. The first competitive CfD auction in December 2025 awarded a further 3.4 GW, with auctions planned for 2027, 2029, and 2031 targeting 18 GW by 2040. Poland has identified 33 GW of offshore wind potential.
Key Regulatory Bodies
| Body | Role | Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Climate & Environment (MKiŚ) | Primary policymaker | Drafted the Offshore Wind Act. Sets capacity targets, auction volumes, and CfD parameters. |
| URE (Energy Regulatory Office) | Energy regulator | Issues Phase I CfD decisions (Art. 16 + Art. 18). Announces, organises, and conducts Phase II auctions. The minister (not URE) sets maximum strike prices. |
| Ministry of Infrastructure (MI) | Maritime authority | Grants PSZW location permits for artificial islands in the EEZ. Prepares the Maritime Spatial Plan (adopted by Council of Ministers). |
| PSE | Transmission system operator | Issues grid connection conditions and agreements. Builds onshore substations and transmission lines. Produces the Transmission System Development Plan. |
| Maritime Office in Gdynia (Urząd Morski) | Maritime permits | Processes cable-laying permits (PUUK in territorial sea; UUUK agreements in EEZ). |
| RDOŚ (Gdańsk / Szczecin) | Environmental authority | Issues environmental decisions for offshore wind projects. Conducts EIA procedures covering impacts on marine ecosystems. |
| PSEW (Polish Wind Energy Association) | Industry body | Key advocacy organisation. Publishes offshore wind potential studies and policy recommendations. |
Developer-Builds Transmission Model
Poland operates a developer_full transmission model. The wind farm developer is responsible for all offshore transmission infrastructure: export cables, offshore substations, and the developer's onshore substation. PSE builds only the transmission grid infrastructure (400 kV substations and overhead lines) that connects the developer's assets to the national grid.
Grid Connection Process
PSZW Location Permit
Ministry of Infrastructure grants seabed right in EEZ
Cable Permits (PUUK/UUUK)
PUUK for territorial sea; UUUK agreement for EEZ
Environmental Decision
RDOŚ Gdańsk conducts EIA — up to 26 months
Grid Connection Agreement
PSE issues conditions and signs binding agreement
CfD Award
URE issues CfD (Phase I) or awards via auction (Phase II)
Building Permit
Regional authority approves construction
PSE Onshore Connection Nodes
| Node | Planned Capacity | Status | Projects Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choczewo | 5.0 GW | Operational (Dec 2025) | Baltic Power, Baltica 2/3, BC-Wind, Baltic East, Baltica 1 |
| Żarnowiec | Linked to Choczewo via 400 kV | Expanded, operational | Connected to Choczewo |
| Krzemienica | 4.4 GW | Under construction (Redzikowo) | Bałtyk 1, Baltica 9+/FEW Baltic II |
| Słupsk Wierzbięcino | 1.4 GW | Existing, expanded | Bałtyk 2, Bałtyk 3 |
Technology Choices
All Phase I projects (nearshore, 23–40 km from coast) use HVAC at 220–275 kV. For Phase II, the Bałtyk 1 project (80 km offshore, 1,560 MW) will be Poland's first HVDC offshore wind connection, justified by distance and capacity. An OWC/ABL Group study recommended HVDC for all far-shore Polish projects.
CfD Support Scheme
Poland's offshore wind support uses two-sided Contracts for Difference, approved by the European Commission under EU State Aid rules (SA.62629, EUR 22.5 billion total scheme). Support runs for 25 years from first electricity delivery. The strike price is indexed annually by the Polish consumer price index (CPI).
Phase I — CfD by Administrative Decision (5.9 GW)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Allocation method | Individual decision by President of URE (not auction) |
| Application deadline | 31 March 2021 (Art. 13(1)) |
| Maximum strike price | PLN 319.60/MWh (EUR 71.82/MWh) |
| Support duration | 25 years from first electricity delivery |
| Projects allocated | 7 projects totalling 5.9 GW (URE issued 7 support decisions) |
| Indexation | Annual CPI adjustment |
Phase II — Competitive CfD Auctions
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Two-sided CfD via competitive auction |
| First auction | 17 December 2025 — 4 GW offered, 3.4 GW awarded (3 projects) |
| Strike prices | PLN 476.88–492.32/MWh (EUR 113–117/MWh) |
| Delivery deadline | 7 years from auction close |
| Support duration | 25 years |
Future Auction Schedule
| Year | Planned Capacity | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 GW | Completed |
| 2027 | 4 GW | Planned |
| 2029 | 2 GW | Planned |
| 2031 | 2 GW | Planned |
Consenting & Permitting
Key Permits in Sequence
| Step | Permit | Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PSZW (Artificial Islands Permit) | Ministry of Infrastructure | Foundational seabed right. Competitive procedure if multiple applicants. Prerequisite for CfD. |
| 2 | Cable permits: PUUK / UUUK | Maritime Office (PUUK) / Maritime admin (UUUK) | PUUK for territorial sea; UUUK agreement for EEZ cables. |
| 3 | Environmental Decision (EIA) | RDOŚ Gdańsk | Up to 26 months from EIA report submission. Covers benthos, fish, birds, marine mammals, protected areas. |
| 4 | Grid Connection Agreement | PSE | Initial grid connection conditions required before CfD auction participation. |
| 5 | Water Law Consent | Wody Polskie | Water-law permit for infrastructure affecting water bodies. |
| 6 | Building Permit | Regional authority | For offshore infrastructure and onshore cable/substation routes. |
Supply Chain Plan
Developers must submit a supply chain plan with their CfD application, describing planned activities to develop the Polish supply chain and reporting a local content ratio (Polish CAPEX / total CAPEX). There is no mandatory minimum percentage — reporting and engagement are required, but no specific numerical target is enforced.
Grid Connection & System Planning
PSE produces the Transmission System Development Plan (updated to 2032), which identifies the onshore infrastructure required for offshore wind. The plan assumes three primary connection nodes in Pomeranian Province with a total capacity exceeding 10.9 GW.
Maritime Spatial Planning
The Maritime Spatial Development Plan, adopted June 2021, allocates 2,340 km² of Polish EEZ (~10% of total) for offshore wind. A 2025 study identified 20 additional areas (2,171.5 km²) that could support a further 17.7 GW, bringing total identified potential to 33 GW.
| Planning Instrument | Owner | Key Content |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission System Development Plan (2023–2032) | PSE | Defines three onshore connection nodes (Choczewo 5.0 GW, Krzemienica 4.4 GW, Słupsk 1.4 GW). PLN 4.5 bn investment programme. |
| Maritime Spatial Development Plan | Ministry of Infrastructure | Allocates ~2,000 km² for offshore wind. Adopted June 2021. |
| PEP2040 (National Energy Policy) | Ministry of Climate & Environment | Sets 5.9 GW target by 2030, 11 GW by 2040. Auction schedule of 12 GW across 2025–2031. |
Financial Framework
| Parameter | Phase I | Phase II |
|---|---|---|
| Allocation method | Administrative CfD decision by URE | Competitive two-sided CfD auction |
| Strike price | Max PLN 319.60/MWh (~EUR 72/MWh) | Auction bids: PLN 477–492/MWh (~EUR 113–117/MWh) |
| Support duration | 25 years | 25 years |
| Indexation | Annual CPI | Annual CPI |
| Total scheme value | — | EUR 22.5 bn (EU State Aid approved) |
| Delivery deadline | Specified in individual decisions | 7 years from auction close |
The two-sided CfD mechanism means developers pay back to the state when electricity market prices exceed the strike price, and receive compensation when market prices fall below it — providing stable, predictable revenue for 25 years.
Historical Evolution
First maritime areas designated
Polish maritime areas in the Baltic Sea first designated for offshore wind energy research and development.Strategic priority announced
Government announces offshore wind as a strategic priority in national energy policy, triggering legislative preparation.Offshore Wind Bill published
Offshore Wind Bill published (15 January). Government announces PLN 130 billion investment plan for offshore wind (September).Offshore Wind Act enacted
Act enacted (17 Dec 2020, published 3 Feb 2021). Maritime Spatial Plan adopted (June). Phase I CfD decisions issued for 5.9 GW. EU State Aid approval (May). PSE announces EUR 1 billion grid investment.Act amended
Offshore Wind Act amended (17 August, effective 1 October). Phase II auction mechanism detailed and refined.Construction era begins
FID for Baltica 2 (Jan) and Bałtyk 2 & 3 (May). PSE confirms Choczewo and Żarnowiec substations ready (Dec). First CfD auction awards 3.4 GW (17 Dec).First COD expected
Baltic Power expected COD (H2 2026) — Poland’s first offshore wind farm. Offshore construction begins on Bałtyk 2 & 3.
Current Offshore Wind Grid Systems
Phase I — Under Construction / Development (~5.9 GW)
| Project | Developer | Capacity | Technology | Offshore Subs. | Grid Point | COD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltic Power | Orlen / Northland Power | 1,140 MW | HVAC 230 kV | 2 | Choczewo 400 kV | H2 2026 |
| Baltica 2 | PGE / Ørsted | 1,498 MW | HVAC 275 kV | 4 | Choczewo 400 kV | 2027 |
| Baltica 3 | PGE / Ørsted | 1,045 MW | HVAC 275 kV | Shared w/ B2 | Choczewo 400 kV | ~2029 |
| Bałtyk 2 | Polenergia / Equinor | 720 MW | HVAC 220 kV | 1 | Słupsk 400 kV | 2027–2028 |
| Bałtyk 3 | Polenergia / Equinor | 720 MW | HVAC 220 kV | 1 | Słupsk 400 kV | 2028 |
| BC-Wind | Ocean Winds | 390 MW | HVAC 275 kV | 1 | Choczewo 400 kV | 2028 |
Phase II — CfD Auction Winners (3,435 MW)
| Project | Developer | Capacity | Technology | Grid Point | COD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bałtyk 1 | Polenergia / Equinor | 1,560 MW | HVDC (first in PL) | Krzemienica 400 kV | By 2032 |
| Baltica 9 | PGE | 975 MW | TBD | Krzemienica area | By 2032 |
| Baltic East | Orlen | 900 MW | HVAC | Choczewo area | 2032 |
Awaiting Future Auction
| Project | Developer | Capacity | Grid Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltica 1 | PGE | 896 MW | Choczewo 400 kV | Did not win Dec 2025 auction. Targeting 2027 auction. |
Supranational Dimension
Poland's offshore wind sector operates within the EU regulatory framework, with the CfD scheme approved under EU State Aid rules (SA.62629).
| Framework | Relevance to Poland |
|---|---|
| EU State Aid (SA.62629) | EUR 22.5 bn CfD scheme approved May 2021. Covers both Phase I administrative decisions and Phase II competitive auctions. |
| BEMIP (Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan) | Poland participates in Baltic Sea energy market cooperation, including offshore wind grid coordination. |
| Baltic InteGrid | EU-funded study exploring meshed offshore grid in the Baltic Sea. Identified Poland as the anchor country with the highest Baltic Sea offshore wind potential (28 GW by 2050). |
| ENTSO-E TYNDP | Poland’s offshore wind expansion features in the Ten-Year Network Development Plan for cross-border grid reinforcement. |
| EU Electricity Market Design Reform | Two-sided CfDs promoted at EU level (December 2025 EU Grids Package) align with Poland’s existing model. |
Reform & Future Outlook
Poland's offshore wind framework is relatively new (enacted 2021) and is evolving rapidly as the first projects approach commissioning and the auction pipeline expands.
| Area | Current Status | Expected Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Auction expansion | 12 GW planned across 4 auctions (2025–2031) | Government considering increasing to 14+ GW. 20 new areas (17.7 GW) identified for future designation. |
| HVDC adoption | Bałtyk 1 will be Poland’s first HVDC OWF | Far-shore Phase II/III projects likely to adopt HVDC as standard for projects 50+ km from coast. |
| Grid infrastructure | PSE building Krzemienica; Choczewo/Żarnowiec operational | Additional onshore nodes may be needed for 20+ GW target. Grid reinforcement in central Poland for power evacuation. |
| Meshed offshore grid | No current plans | Baltic InteGrid study explored concept. Could become relevant at 18–33 GW scale. |
| Hybrid interconnectors | No projects identified | Potential for combined wind export + interconnector projects as Baltic Sea offshore grid density increases. |
Key Sources
Fact Check
This page is fact-checked using automated verification. Two iterations are run against the research document, with findings independently verified before corrections are applied.
| Iteration | Date | Errors Reported | Verified & Fixed | False Positives | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2026-03-15 | 10 | 5 | 5 | Precision: maritime area 2,340 km², Phase I total ~5.9 GW, Art. 16/18 nuance, ministry role tightened, maritime authority clarified, Harmony Link update. |
| 1 | 2026-03-15 | 17 | 12 | 5 | Key fixes: Phase I = 7 projects, deadline 31 Mar 2021, auction schedule 12 GW, Baltic Power 1,140 MW, Baltica 3 1,045 MW, added ZARE, corrected URE/Minister roles, cable permit terminology. |
This page is for informational purposes only. It reflects the regulatory framework as understood at the time of research (March 2026) and may not capture the latest changes. Always consult primary sources for binding regulatory requirements.