Pomerania, known primarily for tourism and ports until now, is becoming Poland's new energy hub. Intensive investments in infrastructure, offshore wind power, and renewable energy sources (RES) could lead to a situation where the region produces more energy than it can consume. 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 transition strategy. By 2040, offshore wind turbines are planned to produce approximately 10 GW of energy, which is about 1/7 of the country's current installed capacity. Ultimately, offshore wind farms are intended to generate as much as 33 GW of capacity.
In addition, Poland's first nuclear power plant in Lubiatowo-Kopalino is set to produce up to 1.6 GW of power in 2033, and after all three planned units are commissioned – around 4 GW.
Current transmission networks are not adapted to accept 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 Pomerania region does not have a sufficient number of energy-intensive businesses that could utilise the surplus energy produced. The economic structure of the region, based mainly on small and medium-sized enterprises, services, and the maritime industry, does not generate sufficient demand for energy.
Poland lacks adequate infrastructure for storing surplus energy, which hinders the efficient management of production and distribution.
In Spring 2024, the Ministry of Climate and Environment announced the signing of the first contracts for the modernisation of Polish electricity grids, worth PLN 220 million. In the coming years, Poland will be able to utilise approximately PLN 85 billion for grid modernisation, of which PLN 15 billion will come from European subsidies, and the remaining funds from the National Reconstruction Plan.
Energy overproduction can become an asset in attracting energy-intensive industries to the region, such as advanced technology manufacturing, 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 organisations and supporting the development of energy in the region.
On 26-27 March 2025, the PowerConnect Energy Summit will be held in Gdańsk, marking the first leading energy industry event in northern Poland. As part of 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 create a unique opportunity to:
The overproduction of energy in Pomerania presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the region. Key actions, such as modernising transmission grids, attracting energy-intensive investments, and developing the Baltic Energy Hub, can transform this potential obstacle into a driver of economic growth.
The PowerConnect Energy Summit trade fair will be a significant moment for discussion and planning for the future of energy in the region. It is there that decisions will be made which could determine whether an overproduction of energy becomes an opportunity for development or a missed chance for Pomerania and the whole of Poland.
