“Ready for Offshore” programme to equip Polish companies seeking to enter the offshore wind sector: training, competence development and financing of up to PLN 100 million

In July of this year, electricity generated by an offshore wind farm was supplied to the Polish grid for the first time in history, through the Baltic Power project. This marks the beginning of an ambitious offshore development programme in Poland. In the near future, the Baltic Sea has the potential to become one of the most important regions for the development of new, stable and low-carbon energy sources for the economy. According to Poland’s energy policy objectives, the country plans to achieve 5.9 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, with this potential increasing to as much as 18 GW by 2040. With planned investments reaching PLN 500 billion by 2040, the sector is expected to become one of the key drivers of the energy transition and a cornerstone of Poland’s energy security.

Two Areas of Action to Accelerate Local Content in Offshore Wind Energy

The “Ready for Offshore” programme responds to the needs of the emerging offshore ecosystem and supply chain, including offshore wind investors, Polish companies seeking participation in contracts, and research and development institutions. The programme was designed following consultations with representatives from various industries. These consultations confirmed that Polish companies are ready to enter the offshore market but require support in developing competencies and gaining access to financing.

The initiative is built on two pillars:

1. Competencies and Certifications - Based on recommendations developed together with PARP, Polish companies can access subsidised training programmes listed in the Development Services Database (BUR). These programmes cover eight key competencies required for participation in offshore projects, including: supply chain entry strategies, tendering and bidding processes, contracting, health and safety, quality management, delivery execution, innovation, and workforce development.

2. Tailored Financial Instruments - ARP S.A. provides companies interested in joining offshore supply chains with a package of flexible financial products, including: investment loans, including loans backed by the InvestEU guarantee, development loans supporting projects financed through EU grants, leasing solutions. These instruments can be combined flexibly to finance investments required for the execution of offshore contracts. In addition, companies carrying out such projects within special economic zones managed by ARP may benefit from corporate income tax exemptions of up to 70% of the investment value for up to 15 years.

Accelerating Growth and RemovingBarriers

To participate in offshore industry tenders, Polish companies must acquire the necessary competencies, sometimes obtain additional certifications, and invest in production capacity and research activities. These requirements involve significant costs and often necessitate access to external financing. During the consultation process, companies most frequently pointed to the challenges associated with adapting facilities, processes and production capabilities to meet offshore sector requirements. A key concern is the cost of implementing rigorous preparation processes required for entry into offshore supply chains, including: developing market entry strategies, implementing QHSE and quality management systems, preparing competitive bids, organising production processes.

Competing for offshore contracts requires substantial capital and company resources. Without sufficient preparation, market knowledge and an accurate assessment of capabilities, businesses face considerable risk. The programme aims to mitigate these risks by providing access to training, specialist knowledge and tailored financing solutions, while helping companies identify and meet the requirements necessary before participating in procurement processes.

Offshore wind developers ORLEN Neptun and PGE Baltica were actively involved in the programme’s development. Their participation ensured that the programme reflects the real-world expectations placed on suppliers and subcontractors. As a result, the initiative has a highly practical focus and prepares participants to meet both domestic and international market requirements, supporting the expansion of Polish companies into export markets.

Local Content as a Key Driver of Economic Development

The development of offshore wind energy is currently one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Poland. Beyond its importance for energy security and the climate transition, it also has a strong economic dimension, stimulating the growth of industry, technological innovation and human capital. The “Ready for Offshore” programme supports the implementation of Poland’s local content policy and the development of sustainable industrial capabilities among Polish companies operating in strategic sectors.