Update of the national energy and climate plan 2030 – key to Poland’s energy transition

In the face of climate and energy challenges, Poland is pursuing an economic transformation, with the primary goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

A key document outlining the direction of this transformation is the Update of the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021–2030 (aKPEiK), which aims to accelerate Poland’s shift towards sustainable energy sources and ensure energy independence.

Five dimensions of the Energy Union

aKPEiK outlines national goals within the five dimensions of the EU’s energy union:

1. Reducing emissions – striving to cut greenhouse gas emissions through the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and decarbonization of sectors.
2. Improving energy efficiency – reducing energy consumption across the economy to bring measurable savings and environmental benefits.
3. Energy security – strengthening energy sovereignty by developing domestic energy sources.
4. Internal energy market – integrating Poland’s energy market with the EU, developing modern transmission infrastructure, and enhancing system flexibility.
5. Research, innovation, and competitiveness – investing in technological innovations aimed at strengthening the Polish economy.

Climate transformation: WAM and WEM Scenarios

The aKPEiK plan envisions two key transformation scenarios. The first, WAM (with additional measures), foresees an intensive economic transformation by implementing new climate protection measures. 

The second, WEM (with existing measures), is based on current legal and investment frameworks, reflecting a more conservative development approach, referred to as “business as usual”. 

Implementing the WAM scenario will allow Poland to meet the commitments of the EU’s Fit for 55 package. As a result of actions under this scenario, by 2030, Poland could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50.4% compared to 1990 levels, contributing to the EU’s target of a 55% reduction.

National goals for 2030

The main objectives of aKPEiK focus on three areas:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions – forecasts indicate that Poland will reduce emissions in sectors covered by the EU ETS by 49% compared to 2005.
2. Increasing the share of RES – Poland aims to achieve a 32.6% share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030. This marks a significant acceleration in the development of RES, particularly wind, solar, and biogas energy.
3. Improving energy efficiency – Poland plans to reduce primary energy consumption by 14.4% and final energy consumption by 12.8% compared to 2030 projections.

Economic benefits

The realization of the aKPEiK objectives will bring numerous economic benefits, which will be felt as early as 2030. First and foremost, there will be a reduction in the costs of electricity production, which in turn will drive economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life. Additionally, the energy transition will create new jobs in sectors related to RES, electromobility, energy storage, and the hydrogen economy.

The implementation of new technologies and solutions will also reduce the costs associated with importing energy resources and curb particulate emissions, positively impacting air quality and public health. The projected reduction in PM 2.5 particulate emissions is expected to reach 66% by 2030 compared to 2005.

Investments in modern energy

The energy transition requires substantial financial investments. Between 2026 and 2030, investments in the Polish energy sector are expected to reach 792 billion PLN.

The majority of these funds will be allocated to developing the electricity infrastructure, including transmission networks, energy storage facilities, and new generating capacities. Investments in the electricity sector alone could amount to 328 billion PLN.

At the same time, Poland plans to increase domestic production of “green” hydrogen, which is expected to play a key role in decarbonizing industry and transport.

Social aspects of the transformation

aKPEiK also includes measures aimed at supporting citizens, particularly those affected by energy poverty. By 2030, Poland plans to reduce the percentage of people exposed to high energy costs to 6.3%. An important element of social support will be the Social Climate Plan, which will be developed in 2025.

Furthermore, the transition will proceed with a focus on the fair treatment of coal regions, where the gradual phasing out of coal will be supported by territorial transformation plans. Workers in the coal sector will receive social protections and access to programs enabling skills retraining and employment in new, green industries.

aKPEiK is an ambitious plan aimed at significantly transforming Poland’s energy sector and economy. Its implementation will not only reduce emissions and develop renewable energy sources but also create new jobs, improve citizens’ quality of life, and strengthen the country’s energy security. Implementing the WAM scenario will pave the way for Poland to meet its EU obligations while accelerating the shift toward a climate-neutral economy.