Poland 2050 and KO Propose Energy Aid Bill Amid Wind Farm Debates
The leaders and experts behind the plan say misunderstandings about the bill have clouded the aims of support for energy consumers. Paulina Hennig-Kloska, deputy head of Poland 2050, told PAP that the project clarifies its energy aid provisions. Robert Kropiwnicki, representing KO, stressed that the bill remains before its first Sejm reading and that this is a moment for public consultation.
On November 28, a group of MPs from Poland 2050-TD and KO submitted a draft amendment to the Law on Aid to Energy Consumers to the Sejm. The proposal calls for extending the price freeze on energy through June 30, 2024, and it also moves to ease rules for wind power development in Poland. Specifically, the draft seeks to allow the construction of wind turbines at a 300-meter setback from buildings and to broaden the list of strategic investments to include wind farms. This shift would remove the need to check wind site locations against local development plans.
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Sejm officials expect the bill to be debated on Wednesday, December 6.
Expropriation concerns?
PiS lawmakers argue that the proposal could lead to the expropriation of land for wind projects. A PiS representative, Krzysztof Szczucki, asked the regional prosecutor and the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau to check who authored the wind and energy price provisions, noting scepticism about parliamentary authorship and potential private gain. He asked who will profit from the measure.
Mirosław Suchoń, head of the Poland 2050-Third Way club, responded to critics by linking the wind farm debate to broader lobbying dynamics that once blocked wind legislation in 2016 and opened pathways for coal interests. He argued that the changes should push energy prices downward. He added that separating wind energy issues from consumer aid would be possible if needed, but emphasized that the bill is a comprehensive energy measure.
He said the initial aim is to freeze prices, while acknowledging that the country cannot continue subsidizing energy forever. A shift toward a new business model, green energy, and removing barriers instigated years ago by PiS is necessary.
– Suchoń.
Hennig-Kloska on the project’s value
Paulina Hennig-Kloska, deputy head of Poland 2050, told PAP that the plan is strong and aims to deliver affordable, clean energy while restoring Poland’s energy sovereignty. The position reflects a concern about heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels and a belief that resisting energy transformation benefits exporting nations.
She explained that MPs filing the bill work with the Sejm’s Legislative Bureau. This is presented as the only viable path at the moment, with a formal submission to the Sejm followed by time for lawmakers to review, comment, and propose changes. They would reconvene after a first reading for a committee session, inviting diverse groups to respond to the provisions.
Hennig-Kloska highlighted the goal of stronger protections for residents in rural areas, including additional acoustic safeguards to shield communities from excessive noise. She admitted that parts of the draft needed clarification and promised that questions would be answered as the process unfolds.
When asked about responsibility for the bill’s imperfections, she said several people contributed to the act. She stated that she participated as the applicant, but did not speak for all authors. She noted that the main author was the Civic Platform and that talks also involved the Left and PSL.
Robert Kropiwnicki, when asked whether wind energy issues could be separated from the consumer aid project to be tackled later, said that separation could be possible. He stressed that freezing energy prices is the primary goal, criticizing previous delays and stressing the need for a swift response. He noted the bill remains in its early stage and that discussion will continue during the first and second readings.
Who bears responsibility?
Kropiwnicki stressed that the bill bears responsibility on the part of the parliamentarians who signed it and that attributing authorship to others is unfounded. PSL MP Marek Sawicki indicated that wind provisions would be corrected during Sejm legislative work and did not rule out splitting the project into two if necessary. The leader of the Left Club, Krzysztof Gawkowski, said the bill would be well prepared and that its passage would open doors to green energy in Poland, arguing that a separate wind energy project should not be required. The report concludes with a brief note of attribution: gah/PAP and source: wPolityce.
[Citation: wPolityce]