Windmills have been much discussed in our country in recent weeks. The wind energy sector in Poland is emerging as one of the key sources of electricity. Windmills are becoming more and more visible in our landscape. They symbolise the dynamic development of a sector that is not only transforming our energy industry, but also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. What percentage of energy produced is wind power? In which regions of Poland do windmills have the best conditions? Which turbines are more efficient: vertical or horizontal? What is the potential of offshore wind energy in Poland? The answers to these questions can be found in this article.
Renewable energy sources provided 21% of total electricity in 2022, with wind energy accounting for 10.8% of this share.
Wind energy, reaching higher levels of installed capacity, is gradually changing the structure of the Polish energy mix. The increasing share of wind in energy production means less dependence on traditional sources such as coal, which is in line with the EU trend towards a greener energy future. By aiming to increase the share of renewable energy sources, Poland is playing an increasingly active role in European efforts to decarbonise the energy sector.
Despite its achievements, the wind power sector in Poland also faces challenges. Integrating new energy sources into the existing infrastructure, adapting the law to the dynamic development of the industry and building public acceptance for the location of new farms are key issues facing the sector. However, these challenges simultaneously create opportunities for growth and the creation of new jobs, which represents an opportunity for the Polish economy.
Poland’s first offshore wind power plant is scheduled to be commissioned in 2027. The farm, named BC-Wind, will be built in the Baltic Sea and the developer Ocean Winds is responsible for its construction. It will consist of 31 wind turbines with a unit capacity of min. 13 MW.
The construction process of the power plant will involve several key stages. The first is the preparation of the seabed, which often requires the removal of layers of sediment or rock. This is followed by the anchoring of the foundations that will hold the turbine in place. Installing the wind turbines and connecting them to the grid infrastructure are the next stages of installation.
The energy generated by the wind turbines must be efficiently transmitted to the land. To this end, an extensive transmission infrastructure is required, including large cross-section undersea cables that connect the wind farms to the national electricity grid. This aspect of building wind farms in the Baltic Sea is crucial for the efficient transport of the energy produced.
The construction of offshore windfarms presents a number of technical and environmental challenges. Strong waves, varying water depths and offshore currents require careful planning and adaptation of the technology. In addition, care for the marine environment, including bird migration or impacts on marine life, is becoming a key consideration for wind farm projects.
In the process of wind power development it is extremely important to understand the wind potential of an area. In Poland, as in any country, differences in atmospheric conditions make some regions more suitable for wind energy than others. Therefore, a key tool that helps identify optimal locations for wind power plants is a wind map.
The wind map of Poland is a geographical tool that shows the frequency and speed of wind in a given area. It is based on an analysis of historical meteorological data, taking into account both the average values of wind speeds and their variability in different seasons of the year. Such maps provide important information for potential investors deciding to build a wind power plant.
Poland has a diverse landscape and topography, which results in significant differences in wind speeds across the country. It is worth noting that some regions, such as the North Coast or central Poland, may offer much better wind conditions than others. For this reason, the map has been divided into 5 zones:
Zone I – eminently favourable. It covers the coastal area from Koszalin to Hel and the area of Wolin Island and Suwalszczyzna.
Zone II – very favourable. Covers the northern region of the country and central Poland.
Zone III – favourable. Constitutes the largest part of our country. Includes the Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Świętokrzyskie voivodships, a belt from Szczecin to Olsztyn and a belt from Zielona Góra to Łódź.
Zone IV – not very favourable. Occupies Małopolska and Silesia and the area around Białystok.
Zone V – unfavourable. Includes Tatra Mountains and area of Szczecinek.
The topography of the terrain is of key importance for the efficiency of wind power plants. Areas with flat terrain, without major obstacles, may have more stable and favourable wind flow. Mountainous areas, on the other hand, may generate local phenomena such as mountain winds (e.g. halny), which affect the variability of wind speed.
The key component of a wind turbine is the wind turbine. Its task is to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical work in the form of rotational movement of the rotor. Depending on the orientation of the rotor axis, turbines are divided into:
Horizontal axiswind turb ines currently dominate the market. Their advantages include high efficiency, the ability to effectively utilise different wind speeds and easier scalability. The horizontal axis design allows for larger blades to be installed, which in turn translates into more power generated by a single turbine. Challenges that can be encountered are variable wind conditions, so these turbines require control systems.
Vertical axis wind turbines are less common in our country. Their compact design makes them less vulnerable to strong winds and its fluctuating directions. Additionally, they are easy to integrate into the environment. However, they often achieve lower efficiency compared to horizontal axis turbines.
In terms of efficiency, horizontal-axis turbines achieve higher efficiencies due to their ability to harness higher wind speeds and produce higher output. However, the innovative vertical axis turbines developed in recent years are constantly improving in this regard.
Both technologies have the potential to minimise negative environmental impacts, especially when compared to traditional energy sources. Vertical axis wind turbines may be more attractive for areas with limited space and requiring less intervention in the landscape.
Ongoing development of both horizontal and vertical axis turbines includes research into new materials, rotor designs and control systems to increase efficiency and minimise the challenges associated with each technology. Diversification of technologies can be key to adaptation to different geographic and climatic conditions, and the choice between them should depend on the specifics of the area and the energy goals.
What is the potential of offshore wind energy in Poland? In our country, the wind energy sector is growing steadily. It is becoming one of the key sources of electricity. In 2022, the share of wind energy was 10.8%, and in 2023 this percentage will be even higher. Planned projects, such as the construction of a wind power plant in the Baltic Sea, are shaping the future of the industry. Poland’s wind map and the use of the right type of turbine are important elements in planning the location and efficiency of windmills. Challenges in the sector, such as the integration of new sources and public acceptance, are opening up prospects for development and growth!
Sources:
https://www.instalacjebudowlane.pl/7935-24-87-elektrownie-wiatrowe–wietrznosc-w-polsce.html
https://www.rynekelektryczny.pl/moc-zainstalowana-farm-wiatrowych-w-polsce/
https://duon.pl/lepiejnagaz/nowe-farmy-wiatrowe-w-polsce-jaka-rola-gazu/
http://interakcja.com.pl/aktualnosc/60,miks-energetyczny-polski-unii-europejskiej-i-swiata-2022
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