Poland opened its first competitive offshore wind auction on December 17, 2025, inviting bids for up to 4 gigawatts of capacity under a contracts for difference scheme. The mechanism grants the right to cover a negative balance when market prices fall below a set reference level.
The first auction for offshore wind farms confirms a maximum awardable capacity of 4 GW and funding from the renewable energy fee collected by the transmission operator. Warsaw is pressing ahead as it seeks to shift power generation away from coal.
The tender offers 25‑year contracts with fixed prices of $135 to $143 per megawatt hour (C$182 to C$193), a level designed to attract bids after setbacks elsewhere in Europe.
Developers have struggled in recent auctions as construction costs rose and price caps stayed low. Analysts view the Polish design as a potential stabilizer for a stressed supply chain.
“Offshore wind is not in such a bad place,” said Anastasia Gurnell of NORD/LB. Bid interest will test whether firmer support can outweigh inflation and financing headwinds.
Price support aims to draw bidders
Poland’s approach sets a clear cap through a January 9, 2025 regulation, which defines the maximum price that bidders may propose in their offers. The regulator published auction rules on May 27, with a note that they could be updated if the offshore wind law amendment proceeds before award.
The negative balance framework mirrors other renewable auctions in the country, but its 25‑year horizon stands out in today’s market. That span offers a longer runway for debt structuring and supplier commitments. The official notice also situates the auction on an online platform, lowering administrative friction for participants.
Developers active in the Baltic Sea are positioned to compete if the design holds. Domestic utilities and international partners have advanced environmental permits and seabed locations in recent months. A successful tender would support orders for turbines, foundations, and grid connections tied to Baltic port facilities.
Importantly, it would signal bankability for future phases. Long‑dated clarity matters to investors. The Polish model provides needed “long‑term visibility,” said Signe Tellier Christensen of Aegir Insights.
Grid integration and delivery timelines
Project selection is only the first step, since cable routes, onshore substations, and reinforcement works must keep pace with commissioning. Poland’s design funds support through the renewable energy surcharge on power bills, which channels cost recovery to the transmission operator and shields balance sheets.
The regulator’s auction format, with set hours and a central online platform, should yield transparent clearing conditions. Results will indicate whether pricing bridges the gap between supplier quotes and lenders’ risk thresholds. If cleared volumes approach the 4 GW ceiling, delivery planning will move quickly.
Europe’s recent offshore bids have seen cancellations and delays, yet Poland is moving into award mode. The country needs new generation while nuclear plans advance and coal retires. Contract duration and clear price caps are practical signals to the market.