Hydro energy in Poland: the history, current state, potential, SWOT analysis, environmental aspects

Abstract

The history of hydro energy in Poland was shown in the article. The first mills were built in the ninth century and the first hydro energy plant was opened in 1896. In 1935, there were 8000 water energy plants and dozen other installations using water energy. War action and nationalisation have caused the crash of hydro energy in Poland. At the moment, there are 761 water energy plants amounting to 994 MW. The Lower Vistula Cascade was described but also use of water for energy purposes in heat plants and waste treatment plants. Technical potential of hydro energy is major. Using already exciting heaps (there are 16,005), it is possible to obtain 14.27 PJ. SWOT analysis has shown that hydro energy in Poland is a well-mastered technology and allows small water retention. Investing in hydro energy in Poland requires a lot of documents. In addition, energetic law is constantly changing. Influence of hydro energy on environment was presented. It was concluded that small hydro energy development is definitely advised in Poland. Small hydro energy stations allow to produce energy and allow small retention in steppe Poland.