Poland is now putting in place a more predictable framework for clean-energy investment in line with the EU’s vision for renewable energy. Legislation adopted in November 2025 introduces an obligation to map Poland’s renewable energy potential and designate areas for accelerated renewable energy development, aligning national policy more closely with EU climate targets.

The reforms are intended to tackle long-standing structural barriers in Poland’s renewables sector where complex permitting and planning uncertainty have often slowed project execution.

By simplifying administrative procedures, increasing transparency in zoning planning and improving regulatory predictability, the new framework is expected to strengthen Poland’s appeal to renewable-energy investors at a time of intensifying competition for capital across Europe.

Implementation of RED III

The EU’s RED III Directive introduces a range of new obligations for EU member states regarding the development of renewable energy sources. Member states are required to designate areas necessary for achieving their national contributions to the EU renewable energy target. As part of these obligations, digital maps indicating the potential of renewable energy systems (RES) must be prepared, covering both onshore and offshore areas, and taking into account existing and planned support infrastructure, including transmission networks and energy storage facilities.

Furthermore, the RED III Directive introduces the requirement to designate areas for accelerated RES development (ARD Areas), where investments may be implemented under a simplified procedure with reduced environmental requirements, provided that there is no significant transboundary impact.

Renewable energy potential maps

The new law introduces a definition of RES potential maps as digital tools designed to identify areas with the highest potential for the deployment of RES installations, including offshore wind farms.

The minister responsible for climate issues is required to publish maps for each technology: onshore and offshore wind energy, photovoltaics, geothermal energy, hydropower, and biogas plants. The maps show resource availability, projected energy demand, existing and planned technical infrastructure, as well as environmental constraints, such as protected areas or wildlife migration routes.

RES potential maps are subject to periodic updates as part of the revision of the integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, enabling their use as a strategic tool for RES investment planning.

Areas for accelerated RES development

ARD Areas are designated based on renewable energy potential maps, allowing the deployment of RES installations under simplified rules, with reduced environmental and administrative requirements.

The designation of ARD Areas is to be carried out at the regional (i.e. voivodeship) level by way of a resolution of the regional assembly, based on plans prepared separately for each type of RES installation. Priority is given to degraded or post-industrial sites, artificial water reservoirs, and areas of technical and transport infrastructure, while environmentally valuable areas identified through nature sensitivity maps are excluded.

ARD plans are subject to a strategic environmental assessment, and their adoption is preceded by broad public consultations and coordination with the relevant authorities. This approach is intended to balance the acceleration of investments with environmental protection and public interest.

There will be a simplified procedure for investments within ARD areas. Generally, with only certain exceptions, an environmental decision or environmental impact assessment is not required and fast-track procedures have been introduced for issuing building authorisations.

Integrated investment plans

The new law provides the possibility of designating ARD areas also on the basis of Integrated Investment Plans, adopted at the request of an investor. These plans represent a special form of local zoning plan, allowing for faster and more flexible adaptation of planning documents to the needs of specific RES investments. Applying Integrated Investment Plans with the system of potential maps and ARD Areas enables efficient use of available land while mitigating environmental and social risks, thereby enhancing the predictability of the investment process. To learn more about Integrated Investment Plans see this Law-Now article here: Polish ‘Spatial Planning’ amendment facilitates cooperation between business and local authorities.

Final remarks

If effectively implemented, the new framework could materially improve investment conditions in one of the EU’s largest energy markets and mark a further step in Poland’s gradual shift towards a more diversified, low-carbon energy mix. Poland’s implementation of RED III marks a decisive shift towards a more structured and investment-friendly renewable energy framework. By combining digital mapping of renewable potential with accelerated development zones and streamlined permitting, the reform has the potential to unlock faster project delivery while strengthening energy security and compliance with EU climate commitments. Its success, however, will depend on transparent execution and effective coordination between the central government, local authorities and the private sector.

Karol Jaworecki Senior Associate, Warsaw

Laura Pytlinska Lawyer, Warsaw

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: CMS