Radosław Wasiak
How long will building permits for wind power plants remain valid?
23.05.2024
energy
Under the current Polish law, it is still possible to carry out projects based on permits for construction of wind power plants whether issued before or after 16 July 2016, but based on proceedings initiated before that date. Construction is still possible under the old conditions, before the later restrictions came into force. This could improve the unsatisfactory development of renewable energy in Poland. But how long will the old permits remain in effect, and must the projects be put into operation by 16 July 2024?
Rules for siting of onshore wind farms liberalised
17.03.2023
energy, new provisions
On 13 March 2023, the President of Poland signed an amendment to the “10H Act,” setting the minimum distance of a wind power plant from residential buildings at 700 metres (over calls by power generators, industry organisations and many local governments that it should be 500 m). This means that the years-long struggle to liberalise the infamous “10H rule” has been half-successful.
A chance for a resurgence of onshore wind power investments in Poland
02.06.2021
energy, project
The long-awaited rules for construction of wind farms have been announced. On 4 May 2021, a bill to amend the Act on Wind Power Plant Projects (aka the “Distance Act” or “10H Act”) was published on the Government Legislation Centre website. Its adoption may once again stimulate the growth of wind power, which not long ago was the most dynamic branch of renewable energy sources in Poland.
New rules for legalisation of unlawful construction
08.10.2020
already in force, real estate
The amendment to the Construction Law has made life easier for some owners of unlawful structures. Those whose structures were built over 20 years ago can rest easy. So long as their structure is in proper technical condition, they are not threatened with a high legalisation fee or a demolition order. The regulations governing other unpermitted structures have also been simplified and consolidated.
Special Offshore Bill
16.01.2020
energy, project
The long-awaited bill on offshore wind farms was published on 15 January 2020. The bill is to establish mechanisms and instruments for supporting the generation of electricity by offshore wind farms, and, to a certain extent, conditions for the preparation and construction of such projects.
Where can help be sought when an energy supplier increases the price and threatens to cut off supply?
25.10.2018
energy, litigation
Increasing electricity prices may not please customers, but despite appearances they cause energy suppliers a lot of problems too. It is obvious that firms selling energy try to pass on increases in market prices to customers, even if they are bound by long-term energy sale agreements that guarantee a fixed price for the duration of the agreement. If this happens, customers need to seek the appropriate legal remedy to prevent costs going up, and in extreme cases prevent the electricity supply from being cut off.
Polish wind farms before the Court of Justice of the European Union
30.05.2018
energy, European Court of Justice
The issue of limits on construction of new on-shore wind turbines was examined by the CJEU. Have technical provisions been introduced without notification of the European Commission, and does this mean that Polish courts are required to refuse to apply them?
New regulations may slow the growth of wind farms in Poland
25.02.2016
energy, project
A proposed Act on Wind Power Plant Projects presented in February 2016 is intended to specify the rules for siting of wind farms. But the current version of the proposal generates a huge risk for further growth of the wind power sector and for wind farms already in operation and even for persons interested in building housing near existing wind projects.
Proposed new restrictions on trading in agricultural property
18.02.2016
real estate, project
New regulations governing trading in agricultural real estate proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development may have a huge impact not only on the possibility of selling property, but also on share transactions.
Deregulation of Wholesale Gas Prices in Poland
21.02.2013
energy, already in force
On 19 February 2013, the Energy Regulatory Office Chairman issued a statement on the exemption from the obligation to submit for approval wholesale natural gas market tariffs.