Updated: 14.08.2024
What are the Polish legal requirements and goals for reducing gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency?
Poland’s energy policy is a key component of the state’s strategy, defining goals and tasks in energy management. According to Articles 13 and 14 of the Energy Law, the energy policy encompasses four main goals:
1. Ensuring the country’s energy security
Energy security is the foundation of the economy’s stability and the functioning of the state. This means that Poland must have reliable energy sources and infrastructure that allow for continuous and dependable delivery.
2. Increasing the economy’s competitiveness
Energy policy should support economic development by creating conditions conducive to competition. This, in turn, contributes to innovation and efficiency in the energy sector and other industries.
3. Improving energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key aspect that involves maximizing energy use while minimizing consumption. Implementing measures to improve energy efficiency leads to cost reductions and less environmental impact.
4. Environmental protection
Actions within energy policy must consider environmental protection, including reducing pollution emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. This policy should support sustainable development and minimize the negative impacts of energy activities on nature.
What is energy efficiency?
According to EU law, energy efficiency is the amount of energy saved determined based on measurements or estimates of consumption before and after implementing efficiency improvement measures.
The lower the energy intensity of an object or device, the higher its efficiency, resulting in economic and environmental benefits.
Promoting new technologies, such as renewable energy sources or cleaner coal technologies, is crucial for achieving energy policy goals. While there are controversies surrounding the introduction of nuclear energy, potential risks can be minimized through scientific advancements and effective preventive instruments.
Poland’s energy policy goals are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Increased economic competitiveness contributes to improved energy efficiency, which in turn supports environmental protection.
As part of the state’s strategy, energy policy should promote actions that achieve these goals as broadly as possible, contributing to the country’s sustainable development.
What are the European Union’s energy goals?
The European Union (EU) has adopted an ambitious energy policy based on the strategy for the energy union, aiming to provide households and businesses with secure, sustainable, competitive, and affordable energy supplies.
By 2030, the EU’s energy goals include:
- Renewable Energy – Increasing the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption to 42.5%, with an ambitious goal of reaching 45%. This includes solar, wind, ocean, hydro, biomass, and biofuels.
- Energy Efficiency – Reducing primary and final energy consumption by 11.7% compared to 2020 forecasts. This equates to 992.5 million tons of oil equivalent (primary energy) and 763 million tons (final energy).
- Interconnections – Creating interconnections covering at least 15% of EU electricity systems to enhance market integration and improve supply security.
Fit for 55
The EU’s regulatory framework is based on the comprehensive “Fit for 55” package, modified by the REPowerEU plan, focusing on eliminating dependence on Russian fossil fuels. It includes many directives and regulations, such as those on renewable energy (2018/2001), energy efficiency (2018/2002), and electricity market structure (2019/944).
Member states must prepare ten-year integrated national energy and climate plans and regularly report on progress.
Integrated energy market
A fully integrated energy market is crucial for affordable energy prices, investment in green energy sources, and achieving climate neutrality. Initially, regulations focused on cross-border cooperation and fair retail markets, later expanding to include risk preparedness and decarbonization.
Diversifying energy supplies after Russia aggression
After Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the EU focused on diversifying energy supplies. The REPowerEU plan includes reducing natural gas consumption, international cooperation on liquefied natural gas imports, and increasing supplies from new pipelines. The EU’s energy security policy includes creating oil and gas reserves for energy crisis situations.
Horizon Europe
The “Horizon Europe” program for 2021–2027, with a budget of €95.5 billion, supports research and innovation in energy. The European Strategic Energy Technology Plan focuses on key technologies such as batteries and photovoltaics, supporting the entire innovation chain in green energy.
FAQ
What measures is Poland implementing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency in the industrial sector?
Poland is actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency within the industrial sector. The country is investing in new technologies and modernizing industrial processes to decrease energy consumption and improve material efficiency.
Efforts include implementing cleaner coal technologies and supporting the development of renewable electricity sources such as wind power and nuclear power plants in the future. These measures aim to enhance the country’s energy mix, reduce energy costs, and contribute to net zero emissions goals.
How does the Polish Wind Energy Association contribute to Poland’s energy policy goals?
The Polish Wind Energy Association plays a crucial role in promoting wind power as part of Poland’s energy policy. The association advocates for the development and expansion of wind farms, including offshore wind projects, to increase the share of renewable electricity in Poland’s energy mix.
By supporting wind generation and the installation of wind turbines, the association helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify the country’s electricity supply, contributing to Poland’s energy security and economic growth.
What are the benefits of increasing renewable electricity in Poland’s energy supply?
Increasing renewable electricity in Poland’s energy supply offers numerous benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels such as hard coal and Russian gas, and promoting sustainable economic growth. Renewable energy sources like wind power and solar energy contribute to a more diversified and resilient energy mix, leading to greater energy security and lower energy costs.
Additionally, the adoption of renewable electricity supports technological innovation and the development of energy-efficient infrastructure, which can result in significant cost savings and improved human health by reducing pollution.
How does Poland’s energy policy address the challenges of high energy prices and energy consumption?
Poland’s energy policy addresses the challenges of high energy prices and energy consumption by promoting energy efficiency and reducing total energy consumption across various sectors. Measures include encouraging the use of energy-efficient technologies, improving energy systems, and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.
The policy also focuses on reducing electricity consumption in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings by promoting the use of heat pumps, air conditioners, and other energy-efficient appliances. By enhancing the efficiency of the Polish power system and investing in energy storage solutions, Poland aims to stabilize energy prices and ensure a reliable energy supply.