Poland, traditionally dependent on coal, is rapidly emerging as a renewable energy leader in Europe. Plans are underway to build nuclear power plants while expanding renewable sources, particularly solar power, which is expected to double its installed capacity by 2025. Amidst these transitions, the government intends to acquire coal-fired power plants from energy companies, addressing the future of these facilities before upcoming elections.
Coal usage in Poland is significantly decreasing, while the country added 4.9 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2022, placing third in the EU for photovoltaic expansion. This growth has been bolstered by increased subsidies in response to the energy impacts of the Ukraine conflict.
Despite capacity challenges posed by the rapid renewables growth, the falling costs of renewable energy production, now undercutting coal and gas generation, are promising. Meanwhile, the government is working to address the instability of renewable sources and the future of coal-fired power plants before elections. Nuclear energy is also on the horizon, with plans to introduce up to nine gigawatts of output by 2033.
Source: e15.cz
