The Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA) is calming fears following news that Vestas has temporarily suspended construction of a second wind turbine blade factory in Szczecin. Although the Danish giant’s decision has caused concern, according to PWEA it does not reflect the prospects for the sector (offshore in Poland), but is the result of the company’s global strategy and the situation on the European market.
In its statement, PWEA emphasises that the suspension of the investment is global in nature and is part of Vestas’ adaptation to changing market conditions, rather than a lack of faith in Poland’s potential.
‘This is a global move, resulting from the situation on the European market and the company’s strategy, rather than an assessment of Poland’s potential.’
On the contrary, Poland has become a production centre for Vestas, serving many European markets, including Germany, the UK and the Benelux countries.
“Poland has become a place where Vestas locates its production focused on many markets (including Germany, the UK and the Benelux countries). Poland remains one of the most dynamically developing offshore markets in Europe, and orders placed by Orlen are being fulfilled with local content involvement, with offshore wind energy being a key element of the national energy transition.”
Vestas remains strongly committed to Poland, as evidenced by investments already completed, such as two plants in the Szczecin region (a nacelle and hub factory and a newly acquired blade factory in Goleniów), which has increased the total number of Vestas employees in Poland to almost 2,000.
“The company strongly believes in the potential of the Polish market and remains committed to investing in local production and talent development to support regional energy ambitions. This proves that operating in Poland is profitable and promising for the company. Thus, the temporary postponement of one investment does not indicate a retreat, but rather an adjustment of the company’s global strategy to changing market conditions.”
Offshore wind energy is a key element of Poland’s energy transition. PWEA estimates that the offshore industry in Poland is developing at a stable and rapid pace, accompanied by the expansion of the network of suppliers and industrial facilities as part of the ‘local first’ strategy.
‘We have a leader in the field of specialised cables in our country, we install turbines, we build offshore and onshore transformer stations, we carry out most orders for steel structures, and we are already building offshore towers for wind turbines.’
There are already around 600 companies in Poland that are actively involved or planning to enter the offshore wind energy sector.
PWEA concludes that Polish offshore wind energy has solid foundations and long-term potential, both economic and strategic.
‘Offshore wind energy in Poland has solid foundations and long-term potential – both economic and strategic. The actions of investors, including Vestas, who have decided to invest in Poland and locate their factories here, show that Poland is perceived as a stable, attractive and growing market for modern energy technologies.’
Source: PWEA
