Polish parliament approves changes to wind farm rules

Polish MPs yesterday passed a draft amendment to the law on investments in wind farms. The bill will now go to the Senate, broadcaster TVN 24 reported. Easing some of Europe’s strictest rules on wind farms is one of the milestones Brussels has made a condition for releasing billions of euros to Poland from European Union funds, Reuters noted. The agency pointed out that the Sejm rejected a more liberal government proposal that aimed to more than double the existing installed capacity of wind farms.

According to TVN 24, 214 MPs voted in favour of the bill, 27 against and 209 abstained. The amendment sets the minimum distance between a wind turbine and residential buildings at 700 meters. New turbines will be allowed only on the basis of a local zoning plan and an environmental impact assessment, including an assessment of noise impacts on the surrounding area and residents’ health.