Wind energy is one of the modern ways of obtaining energy in an ecological way. It is one of the aspects that allows us to take care of the natural environment and nature, also in the context of the Natura 2000 program. How does the current amendment to the act affect the wind farm industry and the environment?
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What is a Natura 2000 area?
The Natura 2000 area is a project aimed at protecting selected areas that are particularly important for nature. A project introduced in the European Union that allows for the protection of areas inhabited by endangered animal species. The project allows for the protection of ecosystems, including vegetation.
The assumptions of the Natura 2000 programme are based on the following objectives:
- they help protect biodiversity, thanks to which places of particular natural value remain under strict protection;
- ensure sustainable development, assuming that any activities carried out by humans must be in harmony with nature and with respect for it.
The protection of the areas indicated in the Natura 2000 programme is implemented on the basis of two documents: the so-called Birds Directive, which allows for the protection of wild birds and their habitats, and the Habitats Directive, which extends protection to the habitats of animals and plant species other than birds. In connection with the applicable documents, two variants of Natura 2000 areas can be distinguished:
- Special Protection Areas (SPAs), established under the Birds Directive, protecting bird species specified in the document;
- Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) – protecting habitats, species of animals other than birds and plants.
The introduction of Natura 2000 areas allows for the protection of natural resources, while supporting local communities. It is worth emphasizing that the establishment of a protected area in a given area does not mean that it cannot be used by humans. However, sustainable development and benefits for nature are important. The establishment of a Natura 2000 protected area allows for the promotion of nature tourism. In Poland, examples of such areas include: the Białowieża Forest, the Biebrza National Park, and the Tatra Mountains.
How will the Ministry of Climate Act regulate wind farm construction sites?
The construction of wind farms in Poland is regulated by law. According to the amendment to the so-called 10H Act, detailed regulations have been defined regarding the location of wind investments, onshore power plants. The changes introduced increase flexibility in terms of the areas on which wind farms can be erected.
The amendment to the Act introduces the following changes:
- newly constructed wind farm investments must comply with the adopted local spatial development plan, thanks to which local governments have gained the opportunity to provide residents and the environment with optimal conditions, flexibility concerns changing the distance between wind farms and buildings or other strategic areas;
- before issuing a permit for the construction of wind turbines, municipalities are obliged to organise public consultations and conduct a strategic assessment of the impact on the natural environment; the investment may not pose a threat to human safety and may not negatively affect local natural ecosystems;
- in relation to the impact of investments on naturally valuable areas, the Act maintains restrictions related to the ban on building wind turbines in areas with special natural values (examples include national parks, nature reserves or Natura 2000 areas).
- At a time when the use of renewable energy is crucial to halting the ongoing climate change, renewable energy sources, including wind turbines , are enjoying increasing interest. The amendment to the act increases the flexibility and possibilities of building wind turbines, while ensuring proper protection of health and nature.
The impact of the amendment to the act on the wind farm industry
The wind energy industry, after the easing of the provisions of the act, has a chance for dynamic development. Changes in the law are a chance for development for a potential investor. The possibility of using renewable energy sources is important, both in the context of people and nature.
In practice, the amendment to the act regulating the construction of wind farms in Poland introduces a number of beneficial changes. One of the most important is the increase in the availability of land for planned investments. If the development conditions for a given area do not include particularly protected areas, the possibility of obtaining a positive decision for the construction of the installation increases.
Before the changes were introduced, a wind farm could be built when the distance to the nearest residential building was at least 10 times the height of the wind turbine. Currently, these regulations have been relaxed, so the investment can be carried out at a shorter distance, i.e. 500 m from residential buildings. In the context of national parks, this distance has been increased to 1,500 m, and in the case of areas such as Natura 2000, the minimum distance is 500 m.
The changes introduced are beneficial. It is assumed that the relaxation of regulations will allow for a significant development of investments in Poland, and the amount of renewable energy generated from wind will increase year by year.
Current procedures require social consultations, which helps improve cooperation between investors and the local community. Conducting talks allows to dispel the doubts of the local community and to indicate the benefits of the investment for the local environment, such as the creation of new jobs.
The possibility of obtaining energy from wind and the relaxation of regulations regarding the issuance of building permits are factors that can significantly accelerate the energy transformation in Poland.