Definition of RES under the Act
According to the Polish Act on Renewable Energy Sources, RES refers to renewable, non-fossil energy sources, including wind energy, solar radiation energy, aerothermal energy, geothermal energy, hydrothermal energy, hydropower, wave energy, tidal energy, ambient energy, energy derived from biomass, biogas, agricultural biogas, biomethane, biofuels and renewable hydrogen (Article 2(22) of the Renewable Energy Sources Act). The Act also defines the rules and conditions for carrying out activities in the field of renewable energy generation, as well as support mechanisms and instruments for investors, including the institution of energy clusters and energy cooperatives.
Examples of the benefits of using RES
| Environmental RES generate minimal amounts of greenhouse gases compared to traditional energy sources. The use of RES reduces the demand for fossil fuels, thereby protecting natural resources. RES do not emit air pollutants, which has a positive impact on public health. | Financial Investing in renewable energy installations allows for a significant reduction in electricity and heating costs. Generating your own energy reduces dependence on external suppliers. Buildings equipped with renewable energy systems often increase in market value. |
| Social The renewable energy sector is a rapidly growing industry that generates many new jobs across various fields. Investments in renewable energy are often accompanied by educational campaigns that raise environmental awareness among the public. Renewable energy projects can contribute to the development of local infrastructure and improve the quality of life in smaller towns. | Technological The development of renewable energy technologies drives innovation and accelerates technological progress in other sectors. Modern renewable energy solutions are becoming increasingly efficient, which translates into better utilisation of available resources. Renewable energy technologies are often more resilient to extreme weather conditions, thereby enhancing energy security. |
The most popular types of renewable energy installations in Poland
- Photovoltaic installations – these can be divided into on-grid systems (i.e. connected to the electricity grid) and off-grid systems (i.e. not connected to the external electricity grid)
- Heat pumps – these include: air-source, ground-source and water-source
- Wind farms
- Hydroelectric power stations
- Biogas plants – Under the provisions of the Renewable Energy Act, a biogas plant may be built by an individual farmer or an entity involved in agricultural production
Subsidies for renewable energy in Poland
Poland offers a range of financial support schemes for investments in renewable energy. The most important of these are:
- The “My Electricity” programme – The call for applications for the “My Electricity” 6.0 programme will open on 2 September 2024. Prosumers will be able to obtain up to PLN 28,000 in funding from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management for a micro-photovoltaic installation, electricity storage and heat storage.
- “Clean Air” Programme – Grants for the replacement of heat sources and thermal modernisation of single-family homes.
- Energia Plus – funding for renewable energy sources intended for businesses. The support takes the form of a loan that can be used for projects related to improving energy efficiency;
- The “Agroenergia” Programme: Funding for farmers investing in renewable energy.
Investing in renewable energy is a step towards a sustainable future, bringing benefits for both the environment and the investor’s wallet. Thanks to financial support and growing environmental awareness, more and more people and businesses are choosing to use renewable energy sources.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly are renewable energy sources and how do they differ from traditional ones?
RES are energy sources derived from natural processes that renew themselves in a short time, such as solar, wind or geothermal energy. Unlike coal or oil, they are inexhaustible and have a smaller negative impact on the natural environment.
What are the main benefits of investing in RES installations?
Investment allows for significant reduction of electricity and heating costs and reduces dependence on external suppliers. Buildings equipped with such systems often gain in market value, and the industry itself generates new jobs.
What types of RES installations are most popular in Poland?
The most popular include photovoltaic installations, heat pumps, wind power plants, hydroelectric power plants and biogas plants. Photovoltaic installations can be on-grid type connected to the network or off-grid operating independently.
Are there subsidy programs for RES for private individuals?
Yes, programs such as “Mój Prąd” for prosumer microinstallations and “Czyste Powietrze” for heat source replacement and thermal modernization are available. The “Agroenergia” program is directed at farmers investing in RES.
What financial support is available for companies investing in RES?
For enterprises, the “Energia Plus” program is provided, which takes the form of a loan for projects related to improving energy efficiency. This is one of the RES support programs directed at companies.
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She specializes in civil, commercial and business law. In the corporate and energy department, her activities are mainly based on providing corporate services to companies, reviewing and preparing commercial contracts, drafting litigation and non-litigation pleadings and preparing analyses and legal opinions, particularly in the sphere of business law and energy law. She also has professional experience in administrative and civil proceedings, which she gained in Warsaw law firms. She supports the Firm's…
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