Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has decided to halt its plans to build its largest factory in Poland,the company said in an emailed statement on Saturday.The decision was attributed to weaker-than-expected demand for offshore wind power in Europe.
Vestas announced the project in 2023,intending to establish a second offshore wind turbine plant in Poland.The facility was expected to begin operations in 2026 and create more than 1,000 jobs.It was designed to produce turbine blades for offshore projects and would have become one of the company’s key manufacturing bases in Europe.
However,the company said the plan has now been paused“due to lower than projected demand for offshore wind in Europe.”Vestas emphasized that it“continues to invest in a local manufacturing footprint where the offshore wind market volume and certainty allow,”suggesting that the company may resume development once market conditions improve.The Financial Times was the first to report the suspension.
The decision comes amid policy changes in Poland’s renewable energy sector.In August,Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a bill aimed at easing restrictions on building onshore wind farms.Shortly afterward,Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters that Poland would“radically increase onshore wind capacity”and that the government was working on a resolution to enable the installation of more efficient turbines at existing wind farms.
Poland has been gradually expanding its renewable energy generation,particularly in wind and solar power,while reducing reliance on coal-fired plants.Despite this shift,coal remains the dominant source of electricity in the country.In 2024,about 30%of Poland’s electricity generation came from renewable sources,reflecting steady but moderate progress toward energy diversification.
Vestas’decision to delay the factory project highlights broader challenges in Europe’s offshore wind sector,including fluctuating demand,cost pressures,and supply chain constraints.While several European governments have announced ambitious renewable targets,project timelines have often been affected by regulatory uncertainty and rising production costs.
The company’s statement reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting the global energy transition but noted that investments would depend on market stability and clear demand signals.For now,Vestas will continue to assess opportunities for expanding its production network in regions showing consistent growth in offshore wind capacity.
The pause in Vestas’Polish project underscores the dynamic nature of the renewable energy market,where investment decisions are closely tied to policy environments and market conditions.Although the delay may affect short-term job creation and supply chain development in Poland,Vestas’continued focus on flexible investment strategies suggests that future projects could still proceed if European offshore demand strengthens.
