Poland's SAFE Programme Links Defence Funding to Accelerated Wind Energy Investment

At a conference of the Polish Wind Energy Association in Świnoujście, vice‑premier and defence minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz unveiled the government’s SAFE programme. The initiative, backed by 62 contracts worth 120 billion PLN, aims to combine defence, energy, cyber‑security and health investments. Priorities include acquiring unmanned aircraft, anti‑drone systems and modern vessels to strengthen Poland’s security posture while supporting broader economic development. Ministers of climate (Paulina Hennig‑Kloska) and energy (Miłosz Motyka) stressed that security now encompasses energy independence, cyber resilience and public health, a view welcomed by the EU.

The wind‑energy sector, represented by the Polish Association of Wind Energy (PSEW), called on the government to speed up on‑shore wind projects. PSEW president Janusz Gajowiecki warned that military air‑space restrictions block development on 55% of the country, slowing projects that elsewhere in Europe are built in 2‑3 years. He urged streamlined permitting, parallel procedures and a “silent‑consent” mechanism, estimating potential economic benefits of up to 1 trillion PLN by 2040. The association also highlighted the need for industrial strategy support, such as guarantee funds and low‑interest loans, to match Europe’s faster rollout.

Overall, the SAFE programme seeks to link defence procurement with the expansion of renewable energy, positioning wind power as a pillar of Poland’s future security and competitiveness.