The proposed law is political, not substantive. In a recent interview President’s spokesperson Rafał Leśkiewicz said the president will strike, noting that the measure will not meet the president’s approval.
What the “Windmill Law” Covers
The law, adopted in August by the Sejm and sent to the president after Senate amendments, provides, among other things, a freeze on household electricity prices at 500 PLN/MWh until the end of the year. It also includes provisions about the minimum distance of wind turbines from residential buildings (reduced from 700 to 500 m). The draft law unlocks the potential for investment in new wind farms. Local governments and communities will have full autonomy to decide on the feasibility of initiatives, including location and scale, on their territory.
This Solution Will Not Gain the President’s Approval
Freezing electricity prices is obvious, the president said during his campaign. The inclusion of wind turbine distance rules in this law is unrelated to the price freeze. “This law is political, not substantive,” said Presidentł Leśkiewicz in an interview with PAP. “The president will strike. It is certain that this measure will not receive the president’s approval. Negotiations are underway in the President’s Office, and we will present our solutions.” He added that the measure also aims to freeze electricity prices.
Energy Minister: The Law Is Simply Good
“President Nawrocki should sign the distance law, concerning a range of issues not only because of the price freeze, but also because it is simply a good law,” said Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka on Polish Radio Three a few days ago. “If the president thinks that a wind turbine is too tall, the local community will decide, by a council resolution, that such an investment is not feasible.” According to RMF FM, Motyka warned that if Karol Nawrocki refuses to sign the law, he will bear the responsibility of not wanting low electricity prices.
Energy Department’s Plan B
According to unofficial reports by “Rzeczpospolita,” the Energy Ministry has a plan B in case of a veto from Karol Nawrocki. The new draft would maintain the freeze on electricity prices while also liberalizing the placement of onshore wind farms, but it would omit the 500‑meter restriction. Additional provisions would shorten the investment approval time from 5‑7 years to as low as 3 years.
**Kaynaklar:** PAP, Rzeczpospolita, Ministry of Climate and Environment, PR3, RMF FM
