New Energy World™
New Energy World™ embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low-carbon technologies.
How long will it take Poland to clean up its act?
9/8/2023
8 min read
Feature
Poland has one of Europe’s most polluting energy sectors, relying heavily on coal for about 70% of its power generation – by far the highest proportion in the European Union (EU). New Energy World Features Editor Brian Davis reports on key energy transition initiatives and the challenges ahead.
Following pressure from other EU member states and peer review of energy policy by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Poland recently submitted updated plans to generate about three quarters of its electricity from zero emissions sources by 2040, with 51% derived from renewables and 23% from nuclear.
Although recent years have seen the ‘coal-friendly’ government put increasing emphasis on renewables, there have been signs of back sliding despite Poland’s efforts to achieve independence from Russian fossil fuels and the need to adapt to EU green policies.
Lowest green ranking
According to an EU-funded study by Politkya Insight, Poland ranks lowest in an EU green index of environmental performance and efforts to address climate issues. Poland received a score of just 34 out of 100, behind Estonia (36.1), Luxembourg (37.4) and Finland (38.1), while Malta came top at 59.4, followed by France (57.4), Sweden (55.7) and Spain (54.9).