Polish women and men support the development of onshore wind energy, including in their local areas, according to the latest research by More in Common Polska, conducted in collaboration with the Opinia24 agency. Poles expect financial support from wind farm operators for those living closest to the turbines, while also viewing renewable energy sources as the energy of the future.
In light of the ongoing public debate and the expected decision in the coming days by President Karol Nawrocki on a new law regulating the location of wind farms in Poland, More in Common Polska checked what Poles think about onshore wind energy and how they view the future of energy.
The results are clear. 64% of respondents support the development of wind farms in Poland, 24% are against it, and 12% have no opinion. The strongest support comes from voters of the current ruling coalition and the Razem party. Right-wing voters, although they are more likely to express doubts, are also largely in favor of the development of wind energy. The only exception are supporters of the Confederation of the Polish Crown, among whom the number of supporters of the development of onshore wind farms is significantly lower than that of opponents.
Importantly, the majority of respondents would welcome the construction of a wind farm in their neighborhood. This also applies to residents of rural areas and small towns, who most often live near potential turbine locations. The results of our research therefore contradict the frequent public portrayal of debates on the past of onshore wind energy as a conflict between “cities and villages.” Less than a third of Poles express concerns about living near wind farms.
Our study also shows that 67% of respondents support the introduction of regulations obliging operators of nearby farms to share part of their profits with residents, with only 17% opposed.
“Poles want to participate in the development of wind energy, not just be passive observers. They see tangible benefits in its development: lower energy bills, new income for municipalities, local electricity production, and greater energy security. This is a clear signal that society is ready for the ambitious development of renewable energy sources,” comments Maria Wittels, a researcher at More in Common Polska.
An important backdrop to the discussion on the future of onshore wind energy are the opinions of Poles on the future of the Polish energy transition and the shape of the energy mix in 20 years’ time. When asked about their preferred energy sources, respondents most often indicate that renewable energy sources should have the largest share in the future energy mix (59%). Nuclear energy came in second (49%). Fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, are much less likely to be seen as the energy of the future.
Our research shows that when it comes to energy development, Poles have more in common than divides them. Accelerating the development of renewable energy sources, including the development of onshore wind farms, has broad public support, and support for this direction of development of the Polish energy sector goes beyond the usual party conflicts. This is an important social backdrop to the ongoing debates about the future of the so-called wind farm bill. Poles expect the wind to blow strongly in the Polish energy mix,” emphasizes Adam Traczyk, director of More in Common Poland.
Contact:
- Adam Traczyk, Director of More in Common Poland, tel. +48608854195, e-mail: adam@moreincommon.com
- Maria Wittels, Senior Communications and Research Specialist, More in Common Poland, e-mail: maria@moreincommon.com
Graphics for download: Charts for the wind energy survey
