A major acceleration in Poland’s clean energy transition is needed to tackle the emissions resulting from coal’s dominant role in the power sector, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Poland aims to cut emissions through increased use of renewables and natural gas, the introduction of nuclear energy, greater electrification of energy demand and improved efficiency.
Since the IEA’s last in-depth review in 2016, Poland has greatly diversified its gas supply and made “impressive progress” on renewables.
It is now home to one of Europe’s fastest growing solar PV markets and plans to roll out an extensive array of offshore wind projects.
However, fossil fuels still account for 85% of total energy supply, with coal holding the largest share.
As a result, the carbon intensity of Poland’s energy sector is currently the second highest among IEA members.
“Poland has shown great foresight in cutting its reliance on Russian natural gas over recent years, putting itself in a relatively secure position today despite the difficult times we are living through,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.
“Current events underscore the need for Poland to continue to accelerate its transition towards a more secure and cleaner energy system.”
Poland continues to subsidise the coal industry, which provides employment in many regions of the country.
The entrenched use of coal for electricity and heating presents a difficult starting point for efforts over the next decade, just as the country needs to update its energy and climate targets to match the European Union’s increased ambitions, the IEA stated.