On the Polish coast, an infrastructure revolution began on a scale that the country had not seen in decades. Experts compare the current momentum to an investment boom in advanced Silesia in the 1970s. In construction there are gigantic wind farms, fresh port terminals, strategical roads and railway lines, and on the horizon there is already the first Polish atomic power plant. The stake is PLN billion, Poland's fresh economical position in Europe and even 10 1000 fresh jobs. It is simply a historical opportunity, but at the same time a immense logistical and personnel challenge. The question is: is Poland ready to make full usage of this possible before it is besides late?
Turbines, terminals and tracks – a fresh economical power of the Baltic
The investment wave in Pomerania is not only plans but concrete, already implemented projects. In the Baltic Sea, the first offshore wind farm turbine Baltic PowerThey're already cutting through the horizon. This is just the beginning, due to the fact that in an advanced phase of preparation there are also powerful projects, specified as Baltica and Baltica. At the same time, all method facilities are created on land. In Łeba and Ustka installation and service ports are being built, which will become the heart of Polish wind energy. Polish Power Networks are besides active in the process, modernising transmission infrastructure to accept immense amounts of green energy.
Transformation does not bypass the largest Polish ports. Gdańsk, Gdynia and Świnoujście undergo a major reconstruction. The fresh container terminals, deep water wharfs and modern transhipment ramps are to transform them into key logistics hubs for all Central and east Europe. In order for this strategy to function smoothly, investment in land transport is necessary. The intensive construction and modernisation of key routes, including expressways, is underway S3, S6 and S11. These arteries will connect ports with the remainder of the country, and in the future will besides guarantee efficient access to the planned atomic power plant in the Lubiatowo-Kopalino location in the municipality of Choczewo.
It takes 10,000 hands to work. Is Poland ready for the challenge?
Giant investments make equally immense request for workers. It is estimated that the atomic power plant task itself will require the engagement of around 10 000 people. This creates a fundamental question about the availability of human resources. "I don't know where we're gonna get 10,000 people to build the power plant" – admits the beginning of Janusz Pietruszyński, the CIRE portal expert. The problem concerns not only engineers and specialists, but besides skilled physical workers, device operators and technicians.
Internal migration may be the solution, but this requires a change in mentality. Experts point to the American model, where moving behind work across the country is the norm. "In the United States, it's normal. People change their place of residence to take advantage of the opportunity. Will Poles do it too?” – wondering Petrovichinski. It will be crucial to make the right conditions – not only wage but besides social. The improvement of high-speed railways and roads can facilitate regular travel from further areas, but relocation will be the only option for many people. Without a adequate number of employees, ambitious investment schedules may prove impossible.
Billions to take. Who benefits from the Pomeranian boom?
While the foundations of fresh facilities are increasing in Pomerania, there is simply a silent conflict for who will make money from it. There is simply a real hazard that the lion's share of PLN billion worth of profits will be taken by large abroad companies that have experience and capital. Experts call for this situation to be prevented. The active inclusion of Polish companies in supply chains is crucial. This is the time for strategical actions that will strengthen national business.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk spoke about the request to "repolonise" the benefits of these investments. As Janusz Pietruszyński explains, it is not about nationalisation, but about creating conditions in which Polish companies will be competitive. “The aim is that companies from Lublin, Tarnow or Łódź open branches in Pomerania and enter tenders” – emphasizes the expert. However, this requires a coordinated government policy that would include support for relocation of companies, promoting their possible and facilitating access to public procurement information. The game is about the strategical position of the Polish economy for decades. 1 mistake or omission may make Poland only a construction site for others, not a beneficiary of historical development.
The investment boom in Pomerania is simply a historical chance that can permanently change the economical face of Poland. In order to do so, however, 2 main obstacles must be overcome: securing a immense number of qualified workers and ensuring that Polish companies are the main beneficiaries of this development. The next fewer years will decide whether Poland will take advantage of this historical chance or let it to pass by her nose.
Continued here:
Poland North becomes a construction site. There's been no boom like that in 50 years!
