Poland could increase renewable energy generation nearly five-fold by 2030

Poland could increase its share of renewable energy electricity generation nearly five-fold by 2030, according to a new report. Published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the new report, REmap 2030 Renewable Energy Prospects for Poland, concluded that Poland could increase its share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix from 7% in 2010 to nearly 38% in 2030, as well as increasing its total final energy consumption more than double to nearly 25% by 2030.

“As one of the European Union’s largest energy users, Poland plays a critical role in fulfilling the region’s energy and climate goals,” said Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of IRENA. “Even in a country like Poland with cheap fossil-fuel based sources, renewable energy can be cost-competitive, reduce air pollution, enhance energy security, benefit the economy, and play a leading role in fighting climate change.”

As seen below, current policies will only see renewable energy increase to 15.5% in Poland’s total final energy consumption by 2030. This is made up of 19.2% power generation, 10.7% district heat generation, 15.0% for industry & agriculture, 22.5% in buildings, and 7.4% for transport.

Renewable energy share in total final energy consumption (TFEC), 2010 and 2030

However, under scenarios presented in the report, this can increase significantly over the next 15 years if Poland’s government increases the importance of renewable energy policies. Specifically, REmap 2030 estimates that Poland’s renewable energy share of total final energy consumption could reach 25% if investments double to $4.5 billion per year. In doing so, not only will renewable energy share increase, but carbon dioxide emissions will shrink, and according to REmap 2030, such emissions decreases could save $2 billion per year by 2030, when taking into account externalities like health and environmental costs.

Biomass and wind make up the predominant technologies likely to bring Poland to these loftier renewable energy heights, though Poland’s grid needs to be updated to ensure that the increase in fluctuating renewable energy power can be accounted for safely and efficiently.