Poland is on the verge of a sweeping energy shift as it strives to end its dependence on coal fired electricity by 2040, fueled by The Energy Policy of Poland until 2040 (EPP2040) initiative. The country currently generates approximately 70% of its electricity from coal and aims to down this to 35% by 2030.
To assist in the countries net-zero goals, the EPP2040 was established in 2021, which aims to ensure energy security, recovery after the COVID pandemic, a stable labour market, and the strengthening of Poland’s competitiveness with optimum use of Poland’s own energy resources.
The document largely follows the preceding National Energy Climate Plan (NECP) for the years 2021-2030, however, it also contains new aims, notably regarding the curb of coal use in the residential sector.
Alongside Germany, coal-fired power plants in Poland were among Europe’s biggest polluters last year. The combined 10 largest CO2 emitters accounted for a quarter of the power sector’s carbon footprint, according to think tank Ember.
“The end of coal in Poland is happening, whether the government likes it or not,” said Paweł Czyżak, senior energy and climate analyst at Ember.
“The question is if Poland can take advantage of its strategic location and access to renewable resources, painting a clear pathway from fossil fuel dependence to a cleaner and cheaper, renewables-based power system.” Added Mr. Czyżak.
Additionally, a key driver for Poland is to secure its energy supply in the current tumultuous political climate, rather than concerns of climate change, according to the Polish government website. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has affected energy policy and has forced the country to change its approach to ensuring energy security through diversification and independence.
Furthermore, Poland is set to hold a general election later this year, with a more liberal government rivaling the current right-wing Law and Justice party.
It is believed that a more centrist-left government will likely accelerate efforts towards the energy transition, although the party currently in power has reformed its stance on renewables somewhat over the last two years.
Overall, Poland is edging closer to achieving its climate targets. From 2010 to 2020, electricity generated from renewables almost tripled, and renewables increased from 7% to 18% of the power mix, according to the International Energy Agency. Among renewable technologies, solar remains in favour in the country. Poland had the third-largest capacity increase in Europe last year, at 4.9GW, according to industry group SolarPower Europe.
Poland has to overcome certain hurdles to achieve energy security and its climate aims, such as increasing grid connection points for new projects that are currently exacerbating delays on project completion.
