Spatial distribution of economic benefits from offshore wind development: case studies of Poland and the United Kingdom

Laskowicz, Tomasz

doi:0033-2143 (print)

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Title: Spatial distribution of economic benefits from offshore wind development: case studies of Poland and the United Kingdom

Abstract:

This paper compares Poland’s emerging offshore wind market, with the United Kingdom, the European leader in the sector, to explore how economic benefits from offshore wind are distributed spatially. The Spatial Economic Benefit Analysis (SEBA) method was applied and refined by integrating an economic dimension, enabling the estimation of contract values and their geographical allocation. The study covers 18 projects, linking supply chain actors with contract packages to assess spatial concentration. Results show that supply chains tend to cluster: in the UK, a mature industrial belt has developed around the southern North Sea, spanning the British, Belgian, Dutch, and Danish coasts, serving both British and international markets. In Poland, Tier 1 contracts are largely secured by foreign firms, though domestic actors are visible in coastal and metropolitan clusters. With further Baltic development, Poland could become a regional supply hub if policy support improves.

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