Pomerania, previously known primarily for its tourism and ports, is becoming Poland's new energy hub. Intensive investment in infrastructure, offshore wind energy, and renewable energy sources (RES) could lead to the region producing more energy than it consumes. This energy overproduction presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the Baltic Energy Hub.
Offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea is a key element of Poland's energy transformation strategy. By 2040, offshore wind farms are expected to produce approximately 10 GW of energy, which is approximately one-seventh of the country's current installed capacity. Ultimately, offshore wind farms are expected to generate as much as 33 GW of power.
Additionally, the first nuclear power plant in Poland in Lubiatów-Kopalin is expected to produce up to 1.6 GW of power in 2033, and after the launch of all three planned units – approximately 4 GW.
Current transmission networks are not designed to handle such large amounts of energy from new renewable energy sources. According to the Supreme Audit Office, most power lines in Poland are over 30 years old.
The Pomeranian region lacks a sufficient number of energy-intensive businesses that could utilize the excess energy produced. The region's economic structure, based primarily on small and medium-sized enterprises, services, and the maritime industry, does not generate sufficient demand for energy.
Poland lacks appropriate infrastructure for storing surplus energy, which prevents effective management of production and distribution.
In the spring of 2024, the Ministry of Climate and Environment announced the signing of the first contracts for the modernization of Polish power grids, worth PLN 220 million. In the coming years, Poland will be able to use approximately PLN 85 billion for grid modernization, of which PLN 15 billion will come from European subsidies, with the remaining funds coming from the National Reconstruction Plan.
Energy overproduction can become an advantage in attracting energy-intensive industries to the region, such as advanced technology production, battery factories or raw material processing.
The Baltic Energy Hub has the potential to become a platform for cooperation and innovation in the energy sector, bringing together key industry organizations and supporting the development of energy in the region.
PowerConnect Energy Summit, the first leading energy industry meeting in northern Poland, will take place in Gdańsk on March 26-27, 2025. During the trade fair and conference, experts, decision-makers, and business representatives will discuss the future of energy in Pomerania and across the country.
This event will provide a unique opportunity to:
Energy overproduction in Pomerania presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the region. Key actions, such as modernizing transmission networks, attracting energy-intensive investments, and developing the Baltic Energy Hub, can transform this potential obstacle into a driver of economic development.
The PowerConnect Energy Summit will be a crucial moment for discussion and planning for the future of energy in the region. It is here that decisions will be made that could determine whether energy overproduction becomes a development opportunity or a wasted opportunity for Pomerania and Poland as a whole.
