In 2025, Poland's electricity consumption reflects a heavy reliance on fossil fuels while making strides in low-carbon energy utilization. More than half of the electricity is sourced from coal, comprising a significant 51%, which is part of the broader fossil category accounting for about 66% of the total energy mix. Gas makes up close to 15%, further emphasizing the fossil dominance. On a positive note, low-carbon sources contribute around a third, with wind generating nearly 14%, solar at approximately 12%, and biofuels and hydropower accounting for smaller portions. This indicates that while Poland is making efforts to integrate more sustainable sources, there's still room for improvement, particularly given the heavy environmental costs associated with fossil fuel use.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Poland?
Despite efforts to increase low-carbon electricity, Poland's total electricity consumption is currently in decline. In 2025, the average consumption per person is reported at 4,174 kWh, which represents a drop of 422 kWh from the 2018 record of 4,596 kWh per person. This decline is concerning as robust electricity consumption growth is essential for economic and technological advancements, including electrification and the rise of AI. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a modest increase, with the latest figures showing it at 1,382 kWh per person, up by 30 kWh from the previous year. This growth in clean electricity is vital, but further acceleration is needed to mitigate the impact of climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
Poland could significantly boost its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding existing solar and wind capacities, as these sectors already contribute meaningful portions of the electricity mix. Looking at international examples, Denmark and Iowa successfully generate around 60% of their electricity through wind, showcasing a model Poland could emulate. Furthermore, the experience of countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for more than two-thirds of the electricity mix, highlights the viability of nuclear energy as a key component of a clean energy strategy. By investing in and adopting these technologies, Poland can enhance its green energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and fostering a sustainable future.
History
Historically, Poland's journey toward low-carbon electricity has been marked by varying progress. Notable advancements began in the early 1990s with a small but critical addition from hydropower. The early 2010s saw steady growth in wind power, with significant increases in 2015 and subsequent years. However, 2016 marked a temporary setback for biofuels and wind before bouncing back with impressive gains. The recent years have been particularly promising for solar energy, especially in 2022 and 2024, illustrating the country's growing commitment to this clean technology. Despite these advancements, the overall energy transition has been slow, and accelerating this with nuclear and solar energy is crucial for meeting future demand and achieving environmental goals.
