- Poland targets 56% renewable energy by 2030, surpassing its previous 50% goal but falling short of the ruling party’s 70% pledge.
- The plan involves investing 792 billion zlotys ($205 billion) to accelerate the shift away from coal and boost renewables.
- Poland aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50.4% and primary energy consumption by 16.7% by 2030.
Poland aims to produce 56% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska announced on Thursday, September 4. She presented the draft of the national energy and climate plan, which Poland will submit to the European Commission.
This new target is below the ruling party’s pre-election promise of 70% green energy by 2030. However, it surpasses the 50% goal Poland had previously declared in February.
“We are no longer debating the plan’s key elements within the government. Delaying transformation is more costly than implementing it,” Hennig-Kloska said at a press briefing.
The plan outlines a significant investment of 792 billion zlotys ($205 billion) to accelerate the country’s energy transition. It aligns with the European Union’s target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
Poland aims to reduce its reliance on coal and expand renewable energy. The previous government had restricted onshore wind development and planned to continue coal mining until 2049. This legacy left the country heavily dependent on coal for power.
The draft plan seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50.4% and reduce primary energy consumption by 16.7% by the end of the decade compared to 2020.
The plan is crucial to Poland’s contribution to the EU’s climate goals. All member states must submit national energy and climate plans outlining how they will meet the bloc’s targets. These plans are also designed to guide investment in the energy sector.
Poland’s reliance on coal has long been challenging in meeting EU climate targets. Coal still provides over 70% of the country’s electricity. Transitioning to renewable energy is vital for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Hennig-Kloska stressed the need for immediate action, stating that delaying the energy transformation would be more costly in the long run. She also emphasised that the government is now united on the plan’s key elements.
Poland’s energy transition faces several obstacles, including outdated infrastructure and its dependence on coal. However, the plan lays out a clear path toward increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix.
The country has also committed to reducing its primary energy consumption, which measures the total energy used by 16.7% by 2030. This reduction is part of a broader strategy to improve energy efficiency and lower emissions.
With an investment of over 792 billion zlotys, Poland hopes to attract more private and public sector funding to support the shift to renewable energy. The plan also addresses other energy challenges, including developing offshore wind farms and solar power projects.
Poland’s next step is to submit its draft plan to the European Commission, which will review it as part of the EU-wide energy and climate strategy.
($1 = 3.8496 zlotys)