The Clean Air Programme is one of the key elements of Polish environmental policy aimed at improving air quality in Poland. Launched in 2018, the programme offers subsidies for replacing old coal-fired cookers, insulating buildings and installing modern heat sources. Changes are planned for 2025 to further combat smog and improve energy efficiency in Polish homes. Here is what you should know about the upcoming modifications to the Clean Air Programme.

New rules for awarding grants

In 2025, the Clean Air Programme will undergo significant changes with regard to the granting of subsidies. According to the new guidelines, financial support will depend not only on the income of the property owner, but also on the efficiency of the planned investment in terms of energy savings and emission reductions. The guidelines will introduce the requirement to have been the owner of the property for at least three years before submitting the application, an exception is to be made, for example, for a received inheritance where the demand for usable energy, at the highest level of subsidy, is above 150 kWh/m2/year.

The investment must lead to a usable energy demand of no more than 120 kWh/m2.

In contrast, the advance payment is to be directed to the beneficiary’s account, not the contractor’s, as in previous years.

Increase in the amount of funding

As part of the changes introduced in 2025, the government plans to increase the amount of funding, particularly for those on lower incomes. The scheme is expected to become more accessible to people from less affluent households, allowing for more upgrades among those most in need of support. Funding can be up to 90% of the investment cost, depending on the financial situation of the beneficiary.

Simpler application process

As announced, one of the priorities for the 2025 programme reform is the simplification of application procedures. As part of the changes, it is planned to reduce waiting times for decisions and simplify the required documentation. Beneficiaries of the programme will be able to apply online and the application assessment system is expected to be more transparent and easier to use, which will certainly encourage more people to apply for grants.

Increased control over the use of grants.

The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management and the provincial funds for environmental protection and water management may carry out, on their own or by external entities, inspections of projects implemented under the programme from the date of submission of the grant application, during project implementation and in the period of durability, i.e. 5 years from the project completion date. The inspection may cover the manner of use of the granted subsidy, including the place of project implementation, and the beneficiary is then obliged to provide access to documents related to the subsidy and the building. In 2025, the intensity of investment site inspections will be expanded.

Cooperation with local authorities and NGOs.

As part of the new changes in 2025, the Clean Air Programme also envisages intensified cooperation with local governments and NGOs. Local authorities will play a key role in informing residents about available support opportunities, as well as in organising training and workshops related to the effective use of the funding.

Education and promotion of the programme

In 2025, part of the programme’s budget will be allocated to educational campaigns to promote the idea of clean air and the benefits of retrofitting buildings. The programme aims to reach the widest possible group of citizens, especially those who have not yet taken action to improve the air quality in their surroundings.

Summary

The changes to the 2025 Clean Air Programme are intended not only to increase the availability of subsidies, but also to provide more diverse and comprehensive support for people and institutions involved in improving air quality in Poland. The reforms will reduce the risk of abuses that have taken place so far, which in turn will lead to the programme becoming an even more effective tool in the fight against smog, as well as in improving the quality of life of our country’s inhabitants.

Details will be known at the beginning of the new year and the Clean Air Programme under the new rules will start in March 2025.