The Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment is introducing the first package of changes to the Clean Air program this July, aiming to simplify access to grants for home energy renovations. The amendments include shorter ownership requirements, higher subsidies for selected items, and more time to complete projects after receiving an advance payment.
The changes come after the March 2025 reform caused widespread criticism and practical difficulties. The ministry received over 1,300 comments during public consultations and decided to address the most problematic rules first. The new package was developed together with regional environmental funds and local governments.
One of the most anticipated modifications is the relaxation of the minimum property ownership period. Currently, applicants must have owned their home for at least three years, which blocked many new owners, especially young families who bought older houses on the secondary market. The new rules will shorten that requirement to one year for those who purchased or received at least 50 percent of shares in the property as a gift.
Key changes to ease access to funding
The ministry will also raise some of the maximum eligible costs per square meter, though it has not yet specified exactly which items. Currently, the cost limits for windows (480 PLN per sqm) and external wall insulation (100 PLN per sqm) are far below market prices, which often exceed 700–1000 PLN and 180–300 PLN respectively. The exact new limits will be announced next month.
Another change extends the deadline for completing a project after receiving an advance payment from 120 to 180 days. This extra time is meant to help with work that depends on weather, such as wall insulation or roof repairs, especially when the investment starts in autumn or winter.
The government is also expanding the list of professionals who can confirm the permanent decommissioning of old heating sources. Previously, only a narrow group of certified specialists could issue such documents, causing delays and extra costs. Now, people with appropriate building qualifications will also be allowed to do this.
Long-awaited reforms postponed
Despite expectations, the first package does not include two major proposals: a list of approved contractors and a grant for energy audits. Both were among the most discussed ideas during consultations. The list of contractors was supposed to eliminate fraud and overpricing that led to the temporary suspension of the program in late 2024. However, the ministry says work on these measures is still ongoing and requires agreement with the European Investment Bank, which co-finances the program.
Similarly, the energy audit remains a required upfront cost for applicants, with the current subsidy covering only a fraction of the real price. Audits cost between 1,500 and 3,000 PLN, while the maximum grant for this step is only 1,200 PLN. The ministry acknowledges the need for a better mechanism but says it will be part of later reforms, possibly later this year or in 2026.
– The first package of changes results from experience with the new version of the program and extensive public consultations – the ministry said in a statement. It also noted that these modifications do not close the process but are another step in continuous improvement.
The program is operated by the National Fund for Environmental Protection, 16 regional funds, and over 2,000 municipalities, many of which serve as information points or operators for the highest grant levels.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
