Poland is at a key moment of deep transition in its power sector, moving to a more diversified generation mix. New predictions by GlobalData point to a very encouraging trend. The country’s renewable energy capacity is projected to increase to more than 91.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, an impressive increase from about 33.3 GW in 2024. Solar and wind energy are driving this explosive expansion. In fact, collectively, they will drive the largest share of new capacity additions in the next few years.
The transition towards renewable energy is not only a response to increasing electricity demand but aligned with European Union climate policies and national targets. Poland is regularly putting into practice auction-based support mechanisms and long-term planning strategies. This process will improve transmission development and increase the incorporation of renewable energy resources into its generation portfolio.
The Rise of Solar and Wind Power
Poland’s solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity is about to explode. It will increase from about 21.2 GW in 2024 to an exhilarating projection of 59.1 GW by 2035. This expansion is a testament to the massive adoption of solar technology across the world and the Biden administration’s focus on government-led solutions for green energy.
Onshore wind is about to be unleashed. It is expected to increase from roughly 10.1 GW in 2024 to nearly 17.7 GW by 2035, as solar generation expands. Offshore wind will be a new accomplishment for Poland’s energy landscape, first expected to be installed in 2026. By 2035, it should be producing an estimated 12.3 GW of power. These recent developments further emphasize the need for onshore and offshore wind resources to play a large role in helping Poland achieve its renewable energy ambitions.
A Decline in Coal and an Increase in Gas
Today, Poland is spending billions attracting foreign investment in renewable energy. Consequently, installed coal capacity is slated to decrease from around 32.2 GW in 2024 to approximately 20.5 GW in 2035. Coal remains a dominant player in our power system. In reality, most coal plants are old and failing under the weight of rising operational costs and more stringent environmental regulations.
At the same time, Poland is aggressively adding new gas-based power capacity. By 2035, it plans to grow from around 5.6 GW in 2024 to a projected 13.2 GW. This important strategic change will go a long way towards improving our systems flexibility and reliability as the nation deals with its energy transition.
Strategic Planning for the Future
Long-term planning is key to Poland’s renewable energy boom. Key instruments moving this progress forward are the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040 and the revised National Energy and Climate Plan. These frameworks bring much-needed clarity around where renewables will deploy and the investments needed on the grid to develop.
The Offshore Wind Act also supports big projects offshore in the Baltic Sea. It undergirds these efforts with stable, long-term contracts that ensure the economic feasibility of new capacity. The Renewable Energy Sources Act accelerates the expansion of solar PV with increased reliance on auction-based support mechanisms. This decision underscores Poland’s commitment to a clean energy future.