Currently, the state of electricity consumption in Poland reflects a strong dependence on fossil fuels, although there is a notable presence of low-carbon energy sources. More than half of Poland's electricity is generated from coal, forming the backbone of the country's energy system. When combined with the share from gas, fossil energy sources account for almost 70% of Poland's electricity. On the other hand, around 30% of electricity comes from low-carbon energy sources which encompasses wind and solar power primarily. Wind energy alone contributes nearly 15% and solar power adds close to 9% of the country's electricity. The contribution from biofuels is less than 5%, while hydropower comprises a minimal 1% of the share. This existing energy mix indicates that while efforts are being made to transition towards greener options, Poland still heavily relies on fossil fuels for electricity.
Is Electricity Growing in Poland?
Poland's electricity consumption trajectory indicates a decline from previous years, raising concerns about growth. The latest consumption figure of 4445 kWh/person in 2024 reveals a decrease from the historical record of 4723 kWh/person in 2021. In contrast, low-carbon electricity generation shows promising growth. The latest numbers indicate that 1313 kWh/person of low-carbon energy is being generated, reflecting a positive increase from the 2023 record of 1155 kWh/person. Despite this growth in low-carbon generation, overall consumption has not increased, which is troubling given the need to expand electricity supplies to meet future demands driven by electrification and technological advancements like AI.
Suggestions
To amplify low-carbon electricity generation, Poland should expand its wind energy capacity, building on its existing success in this sector. Observing countries like Denmark and states like Iowa and South Dakota, which have achieved remarkable levels of wind energy generation, could provide valuable insights into achieving similar success. Additionally, Poland should consider diversifying its energy portfolio with nuclear energy enhancements. Successful implementations in France and Slovakia demonstrate nuclear's potential in achieving high percentages of low-carbon electricity. Poland can accelerate its clean energy transition by investing in nuclear and solar energy and incorporating best practices from these successful regions.
History
Historically, Poland has seen varied patterns of change in its low-carbon electricity generation. Over the years, wind energy has experienced substantial growth with notable increments in 2011, 2012, 2015, and between 2022 and 2023, showcasing its expanding role. Solar energy has also seen impressive gains since its introduction with significant growth in both 2022 and 2024. However, biofuels have followed a more fluctuating path, with both increases and declines observed over the years. The focus of Poland's energy policy should harness the momentum seen in solar and wind while critiquing past challenges with biofuels, ensuring a robust and sustainable clean energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.