Poland’s energy transition challenge
As Poland phases out coal, which still generates over 60% of its electricity, the country faces a looming energy gap. Outdated coal plants, soaring CO₂ costs, and rising demand—projected to grow by 26% by 2035—make the status quo untenable. Projections from Polish Power Grids warn of potential blackouts of up to 50 hours annually between 2026 and 2030 if current trends persist.
Coal’s share in electricity generation, at 60%, remains among the EU’s highest, and despite being a top producer, Poland is a net importer—import dependence grew by 13 points between 2014 and 2024. Transitioning will require a balanced mix of renewables, gas, and nuclear power. Offshore wind, favored by Baltic conditions and higher winter stability, is expected to play a key role, potentially accounting for 20–30% of national wind capacity—well above the global average of 10–15%.
Source: pb.pl