
- Poland | 14 January 2019

Could you elaborate on the factors that caused the decline in the Polish renewable energy market?
Certainly. The main factor was the change in regulations and policies that supported the development of renewables. As I mentioned earlier, in 2016, the government withdrew its support for the green certificates system, which had a significant impact on the prices of these certificates. Additionally, the implementation of the 10H rule for wind generation further discouraged the development of onshore wind projects. These regulatory changes made it difficult for businesses to invest in the sector, and as a result, there was a slowdown in the growth of the renewable energy market.
How has the market developed since then, and what are your expectations for the future?
Since the implementation of the new auction-based system, there has been a renewed interest in the renewable energy market in Poland, particularly in photovoltaics. Three auctions have already been held, with approximately 1,000 MW of photovoltaics awarded. While there are still challenges to be addressed, such as the 10H rule and the need for a more supportive regulatory framework, there is optimism that the sector will continue to grow in the coming years. As a company, we remain committed to contributing to the development of the Polish renewable energy market and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.
Considering the optimistic outlook in the renewable energy sector, what opportunities does CJR Polska plan to capitalize on in the coming years?
In the next two to three years, we aim to focus on onshore wind technology, as most of the remaining projects will be built during this period. However, new projects are likely to take longer to materialize due to the distance law in place, which restricts the scope for development. We hope that this rule will be revised, but there could still be a gap of a few years until new projects are operational.
On the other hand, we also see significant potential in the stable and numerous small-scale photovoltaic projects (up to 1MW), which offer considerable opportunities. Our plans include expanding our presence in the PV sector, where we see a growing demand for our services, particularly in micro-installations and in large commercial and industrial facilities that require proper environmental and construction permits. In this highly competitive market, our productivity guarantee and established brand recognition will set us apart from our competitors.
With the renewable energy sector becoming more competitive, what is CJR Polska’s strategy to maintain its position in the market?
CJR Polska competes on experience and reliability. As the auction rules impose strict timelines for project completion, developers face significant risks from BOP service providers and turbine suppliers. Therefore, finding reliable service providers with a healthy financial structure is critical. CJR Polska’s excellent track record in Poland and abroad provides great comfort to clients and has made them one of the most recognized BOPs in the market. Their long-term objective is to maintain their leadership position.
What message do you have for investors who are considering Poland as their next destination?
Poland offers a rare combination of opportunity and stability, making it an attractive destination for investors. The country is stable in terms of political issues and economic growth, and most risks that investors would face around the world are not present here. Additionally, few countries are as dependent on conventional energy as Poland, creating room for and urgency in developing new renewable energy capacities.
Looking ahead, where do you see most opportunity for CJR Polska in the coming years?
CJR Polska plans to focus on onshore wind technology in the next two to three years as most remaining projects will be built during this period. Although new projects are expected to take a few more years to come to fruition, there are promising opportunities in PV technology due to the high number of small-scale projects. Despite the competitive business environment, CJR Polska aims to stay ahead by competing on experience and reliability, which are crucial factors in meeting strict auction timelines.