Energy Scenarios for Poland

The importance of having a clear energy policy for Europe is indisputable. However, the ongoing debate on how and from which sources we will obtain energy in the future is still open. The common goal is to move from more traditional to more sustainable and “green” energy sources. Poland’s situation seems to be especially complicated, due to both the country’s dependence on the coal industry and a need to make large investments in energy infrastructure to diversify Poland’s energy-mix.
With its new series of seminars devoted to the topic of energy, CASE aims to take active part in the debate, providing a platform for experts and the larger public to exchange ideas about Europe’s future energy strategy. The first seminar took place on March 8th, at which two distinguished experts, Michał Wilczyński, Poland’s former chief geologist, and Andrzej Kassenberg from the Institute for Sustainable Development, presented their research.

Michał Wilczyński stated that moving away from coal-based industry towards the approach outlined in the Energy Road Map 2050 should be Poland’s national priority. He pointed out that the country’s current coal deposits will run out in the near future. He forecasts that, as early as 2035, Poland will import more than it produces, and thus there is a need to develop more sustainable sources. Wilczyński also underlined the negative effects of the coal industry on human health and the environment.

Andrzej Kassenberg is also of the opinion that Poland should turn towards a low-emission economy. According to the expert, the “green transformation” is a gradual process strongly linked with the growth of social welfare. The richer the society, the more profitable it becomes to take care of health and, thus, the environment, especially in ageing societies. Therefore, Poland has to take a decision to move toward innovative solutions now, as it will cost too much to do so in the future.

Both experts agreed that, in shaping the energy future of Poland, a broader debate including all stakeholders is needed before a consensus can be reached.

See the presentations (in Polish) here:

presentation_ dr Kassenberg and presentation_dr Wilczyński