Wind energy development as a part of Poland's industrial development

Abstract

Poland as an European Union (EU) member state has to increase its share of renewable energy (RE) in gross domestic energy consumption from 2.4% in 2003 to 12% in 2010. This paper discusses perspectives for wind energy development in Poland as a part of the industrial development given thepolitical system supports RE. It shows that the fulfilment of the EU's RE obligations could be used to the advantage of Poland's sustainable development. Wind energy development may create a new industry that involves spare capacity of traditional Polish industries and generates new work places. This may help to overcome Poland's main macro-economical problems: high unemployment and budget deficit. This paper concludes with recommendations on how to make wind energy development a part of the industrial development in Poland by introducing RE support mechanisms to improve the conditions for companies to develop wind technology in Poland.