Electricity in Poland in 2023

In 2023, Poland's electricity consumption was characterized by a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which accounted for about 72% of the total electricity generated. Within this category, coal was the dominant source, making up more than 60% of electricity generation. Low-carbon energy sources contributed approximately 27% to the electricity mix, with wind energy providing nearly half of this share at about 13%. Solar energy also made significant contributions, accounting for around 7% of the electricity generated, while biofuels and hydropower contributed close to 5% and 1.4%, respectively. Gas and oil each made minor contributions, collectively adding up to around 11%. Net imports of electricity constituted less than 2% of the total.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Poland can draw upon the experiences of countries that have successfully expanded their clean energy sectors. Given that wind energy is already making notable contributions in Poland, further investment in this technology could yield substantial benefits. Additionally, Poland could learn from countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine that have achieved significant low-carbon electricity from nuclear energy, with shares as high as 65% in France. Denmark showcases the immense potential of wind energy, generating over half of its electricity from wind. By adopting similar strategies and policies, Poland can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and decrease air pollution.

History

Poland's history with low-carbon electricity generation has seen various ups and downs over the past few decades. In the early 2010s, substantial growth was observed in biofuels and wind energy, with notable increases in 2009 (biofuels: +1.6 TWh), 2011 (wind: +1.5 TWh), and 2012 (wind: +1.5 TWh, biofuels: +2.5 TWh). The mid-2010s continued this trend, with wind energy seeing particularly strong growth in 2015 (+3.2 TWh) and 2016 (+1.7 TWh). More recently, solar energy has experienced significant increases, notably in 2021 (+2 TWh) and 2022 (+4.4 TWh), with wind energy also showing robust growth (+3.5 TWh in 2022, +3.3 TWh in 2023). Despite some setbacks, such as the decline in wind generation in 2018 (-2.1 TWh), the overall trend points towards steady improvements in the adoption of clean energy technologies. This history highlights Poland's capacity to expand its low-carbon electricity generation further.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources