Equinor and Polenergia invite to take part in the ‘Local Initiatives Powered by Wind’ contest
Organisations operating in municipalities neighbouring the onshore infrastructure of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farms can receive funding for projects aimed at developing local communities. Equinor and Polenergia are launching the ‘Local Initiatives Powered by Wind’ contest.
The programme covers the rural municipalities of Ustka and Redzikowo, as well as the urban municipalities of Łeba and Ustka. Its aim is to support initiatives that address local needs and strengthen local capabilities – ranging from educational and environmental activities to social, sporting and cultural projects. Thanks to this initiative, eligible organisations or institutions will have the opportunity to implement ideas that can bring lasting benefits to local residents.
– The implementation of the Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 projects is a process that encompasses not only work related to the construction of offshore wind farms, but also cooperation with the local community in the region where the projects are being developed. The competition is a form of support for organisations that best understand local needs and circumstances, and are therefore able to carry out initiatives that bring the greatest benefits to local residents – says Andrzej Popadiuk, Stakeholder Manager at Equinor Polska.
Entities that work for the benefit of the local communities in the municipalities covered by the programme are eligible to apply for funding. Eligible applicants include, amongst others, non-governmental organisations, local government bodies and their organisational units, schools and educational establishments, cultural institutions, libraries, rural women’s clubs, voluntary fire brigades and sports clubs.
Projects that help to build active and engaged communities may be submitted to the contest. These may include: initiatives to bring residents together; educational activities, including those related to renewable energy, the sea and the environment; projects supporting nature conservation and biodiversity; initiatives improving safety; those promoting physical activity; and projects related to the region’s culture and heritage. When selecting the winners, the organisers will pay particular attention to whether the submitted projects generate long-term benefits and are in line with the needs of the community.
– The aim of the programme is to create a space for a variety of ideas and activities that can build on what is already working well in local communities, as well as inspire new initiatives. We want to support not only the activities themselves, but above all their long-term impact. That is why we will particularly value projects that address the real needs of the community, engage local residents and leave a lasting legacy – says Marta Porzuczek, Director of the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Department, ESG Coordinator at the Polenergia Group.
As part of the first edition of the contest, it is planned to support approximately 4–8 projects, with a maximum grant of 50,000 PLN per project. The total budget for this edition of the competition is 200,000 PLN.
Applications will be accepted from 28.09.2026 to 23.10.2026 in electronic form. The rules, application form and detailed information are available: https://baltyk123.pl/en/contest-local-initiatives/.
The Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 offshore wind farm projects, being developed by Equinor and Polenergia, are a key element of Poland’s energy transition and the development of the region in which they are being built. The farms’ combined capacity will be up to 1,440 MW, which will be enough to power around 2 million households.
