Poland: Coping with the Challenges of Decarbonization and Diversification

Abstract

Poland is the greatest consumer and importer of energy among the new EU member states. This chapter examines how it has adopted various energy-related measures aimed at bringing its energy policies in line with EU expectations by addressing three key objectives—security of supply, sustainability and competitiveness. Special attention is paid to how Poland has approached the decarbonization of its economy and the diversification of supplies. Polish policy of reliance on domestic coal and lignite and diversification of supplies aims at reducing energy dependence on Russia. It is also driven by scepticism towards the EU’s ‘green’ energy agenda especially under the new government that has however responded to the negative environmental impacts of energy use by embarking on the programme of electromobility.