IDA strengthens the competences of the Polish offshore wind energy industry – “Offshore without barriers” workshops during the Polish Ports 2030 Congress

Polish companies are gaining real support in entering the offshore wind energy market – Industrial Development Agency (Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu S.A.), responding to the needs of the industry, organized the “Offshore without barriers” [“Offshore bez barier”] workshop to help entrepreneurs effectively develop in this strategic sector. The event, accompanying the Polish Ports 2030 Congress, brought together a large group of representatives of the offshore industry, public institutions, and companies interested in development in this sector at the Radisson Blu hotel in Sopot.

IDA has been actively supporting the development of Polish industry for 35 years, carrying out strategic tasks for the state. Today, as we inaugurate the workshops dedicated to the offshore sector, we want to focus on the key challenges of this market—legal aspects, barriers to entry, and specific solutions that we, as an agency, are already implementing. Based on the results of surveys conducted among participants, we are starting a substantive discussion that will serve to develop recommendations for further action, said Krzysztof Telega, Vice President of IDA, inaugurating the event.

During the workshops, participants had the opportunity to learn in detail about IDA’s comprehensive support offer, which includes both financial instruments and strategic consulting. The program included, among other things, practical analyses of certification requirements in the offshore sector, mapping of key players in the MEW market, and a detailed discussion of the logistical challenges associated with the implementation of offshore wind projects. An important element were case studies presenting the experiences of Polish companies already operating in the offshore supply chain.

As the Industrial Development Agency, we aim to actively support Polish companies in the energy transition process, especially in the dynamically developing offshore wind energy sector. Polish companies must have a real share in the value chain of this strategically important project for the country. Unfortunately, today they often encounter competence, financial, or organizational barriers that prevent them from competing with global players. That is why we are initiating dedicated support programs, including financial instruments and the building of strategic alliances with offshore market leaders. We want Polish industry to be ready for the challenges associated with the implementation of projects in the Baltic Sea, as well as future investments in nuclear energy, said Anna Wiosna, Director of the Enterprise Development Department at IDA and workshop moderator.

During the workshop, representatives of IDA presented strategic plans to support local industry. As emphasized, the current share of local content, e.g., in the Baltic Power project, is approximately 21%, but thanks to initiatives such as organized meetings and support programs, the Agency intends to contribute to increasing this share to as much as 45% in subsequent MEW projects. By 2040, the total value of orders for Polish companies in the offshore sector may reach PLN 300 billion.

We are not only the owner of two Special Economic Zones and the supervisor of another two, but also of over 70 industrial companies. We want to be a partner to entrepreneurs by offering financing, know-how, and local support in our eight service centers. As part of the Polish Development Fund Group, we combine our competencies to effectively respond to business needs. I hope that today’s meeting will result in concrete initiatives and that the conclusions from the surveys will become an impetus for further cooperation for the benefit of the Polish maritime economy, emphasized Krzysztof Telega, Vice President of IDA.

The event was an excellent opportunity for companies just entering the offshore sector to exchange experiences with more experienced entities, such as Baltic Towers, Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic, and Crist Offshore, whose representatives were present at the event and eagerly shared practical tips on the implementation of offshore contracts.

At Industrial Development Agency, we offer entrepreneurs comprehensive and flexible financial solutions tailored to their unique needs. Our offer includes investment and working capital loans, leasing, factoring, and financing supported by guarantees such as InwestEU or KUKE. We work to promote the development of exports, innovation, and strategic sectors of the Polish economy, providing long repayment periods, attractive costs, and an individual approach to each client. We support companies at every stage of their development, offering not only capital, but also consulting and a local presence, which allows us to better understand the specifics of the market. We invite SMEs and large companies to cooperate with us to build their future success together, said Jacek Matracki, Director of the Sales Department at IDA.