Poland's new distance rule expands available land and boosts investment

The recent amendments to Poland's Wind Turbine Act, adopted by the Sejm on June 25, introduce a pivotal change to the minimum distance rule between wind turbines and residential buildings, reducing it from 700 meters to 500 meters.

This adjustment is based on updated environmental and safety assessments – covering noise regulations and shadow flicker limits – and ensures that public health and safety remain safeguarded. By adopting a more flexible and data-driven approach to spatial planning, the reform balances the expansion of sustainable energy infrastructure with local population concerns.

According to estimates by the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA), reducing the minimum distance from 700 to 500 meters could increase the land available for onshore wind energy investments by as much as 60%, potentially enabling the installation of several additional gigawatts of capacity.

This reduction in setback distances significantly expands the available land for wind energy projects, especially in central and northern Poland, where the previous 700-meter rule restricted development opportunities. Unlocking these new areas will increase viable sites for wind farms, accelerating renewable energy deployment and supporting Poland’s climate commitments and EU energy targets.

Moreover, this regulatory shift fosters a more favourable investment climate by providing a clearer, more inclusive planning framework combined with a transparent support mechanism for local residents. These changes reduce administrative and legal uncertainties, lowering the risk profile of wind projects and sending a strong signal of government backing to both domestic and international investors.

The amendment also expands community support to neighbouring municipalities and introduces limits on support per household. This ensures transparent backing for local communities and enhances social acceptance of wind investments.

Crucially, decision-making authority on key municipal interests will rest with local governments and residents, emphasising that the green transition is to be conducted with people’s active participation.

The reform also replaces the previously complex virtual prosumer model with a simpler, more transparent mechanism. Funds will be distributed at the municipal level, allowing local authorities to flexibly allocate resources to public needs such as lowering energy costs, improving infrastructure, or supporting social services.

Together, these changes are expected to drive renewed momentum in the wind sector, transitioning more projects from planning to construction. This progress will not only contribute to Poland’s decarbonisation efforts but also bring economic benefits to rural areas through job creation, increased local tax revenues, and enhanced energy independence.

The Polish Wind Energy Association strongly supports these reforms, viewing them as a significant step toward unlocking Poland’s full onshore wind potential. The new law offers a blueprint for implementing renewable energy that is socially inclusive, economically beneficial, and environmentally responsible, while empowering local communities to play a meaningful role in shaping their energy future.

This is a major signal that wind energy is being re-integrated into Poland’s energy policy in a serious and thoughtful way. We now have a better regulatory foundation that addresses the real barriers investors have faced, while also giving local communities a more meaningful role in shaping the energy future of their regions.