Polish government fighting renewable energy industry over zombie projects

Poland’s draft grid law UC84, prepared by the Ministry of Energy, aims to eliminate so-called “zombie projects” from the power grid and free up connection capacity for real investments, especially renewables. The bill shortens the validity of grid-connection permits, introduces strict milestones, higher advance payments, and new non-refundable fees, arguing this will curb speculation and unlock up to 150 GW of capacity. The government and Polish Power Grid (PSE) say only a fraction of the 240 GW of issued permits will be built.

However, renewable-energy associations warn the changes could hurt smaller developers, raise entry barriers, strengthen market concentration, and potentially violate constitutional protections against retroactive law.

(wnp.pl)