Poland is committed to a just, sustainable energy future. This commitment is evident in its extensive energy policy framework—including the Poland Energy Policy 2040 (PEP2040/EPP2040)—and a series of legislative actions that support renewable energy. The nation as a whole is largely committed to diversifying its energy portfolio and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The plan would retire coal by leveraging renewable resources—including wind, solar and geothermal energy. Poland’s energy vision for 2040 is starting to crystallize, notably through some major changes in the law. Recent amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources Act and the Energy Law Act underscore this strategic approach.
The Polish government has set out this roadmap with PEP2040, targeting 32 percent of renewable energy generation by 2030 and a nationwide emission neutrality by 2040. Our nation’s energy infrastructure is undergoing an ambitious and historic transition, and this policy will help make sure that transition works for all communities. Poland has adopted a set of legal regulations to promote the dynamic development of renewable energy technologies. All of these measures are in line with the country’s sustainable development goals masterplan.
Key Legislative Frameworks Supporting Renewable Energy
The Renewable Energy Sources Act is an essential part of Poland’s strategy. It does this by increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. This act directs both financial and regulatory incentives for renewable energy projects. Further recent amendments to the RES Act have expedited the attainment of project approvals. They too seek to create a better investment climate for local and international investors.
The Energy Law Act was amended in 2023. These shifts were intended to improve the functionality and efficiency of energy markets and bring about competitive market behavior. These updates further encourage the incorporation of renewable resources into Poland’s energy infrastructure. Apart from supporting Polish civil society’s call for increased climate action, this whole effort helps keep Poland on track with their climate commitments.
Poland has created a quota system called Renewable Portfolio Standards. This approach, known as a renewable portfolio standard, directs energy suppliers to obtain a certain percentage of energy from renewable sources. So, it increases corporate demand for renewables and helps grow the market.
Wind Energy Initiatives and Regulations
Poland’s onshore wind energy industry is going through a revolution. This dramatic shift is being driven by policies such as the 10H Rule – Onshore Wind Distance Act. This regulation stipulates minimum distance requirements between onshore wind turbines and residential areas, which has implications for the development of new wind projects. Though this rule works toward mitigating community concerns, it creates obstacles for broader expansion of wind capacity in places like the Great Plains.
Poland’s Offshore Wind Act has already been amended three times. It hopes to capitalize on the amazing potential of offshore wind resources that the Baltic Sea has to offer. The government demonstrates serious intent to develop offshore wind with long-term, strategic planning and investment. It even initiated an offshore wind loan program to help finance projects.
Poland has held auctions for Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and Feed-in Premium (FIP) program. As a result, investors have really flocked to these auctions. This has driven very aggressive pricing for new renewables and has helped develop a strong competitive market both onshore and offshore.
Solar Energy Developments and Future Programs
Poland has made remarkable strides in solar energy thanks to its creative subsidy schemes. One standout effort is Poland’s solar rebate scheme ‘Mój Prąd’ or ‘My Electricity,’ which started in 2019. The initiative provided cash bonuses for families who installed solar panels on their homes. As a byproduct, it had a powerful stimulatory effect on the statewide photovoltaic market. The success of this program is a strong testament to Poland’s commitment to significantly expand its solar capacity.
The “My Wind Power Plant” program is scheduled to begin in 2024. This initiative will provide additional support for individuals looking to invest in wind energy solutions, further diversifying Poland’s renewable portfolio. Such programs are vital as they not only promote clean energy generation but empower citizens to participate actively in the transition toward sustainable energy.
Poland’s Green Investment Scheme supports these efforts by making it easier to invest in green projects. The plan seeks to attract investments for renewable energy projects, increasing Poland’s ability to develop on the plans outlined in their renewable energy targets.
Financial Support and International Collaboration
Poland has been a beneficiary of huge technical and financial support from multilateral institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These loans are essential to funding large-scale renewable projects and allow Poland to take strides towards achieving its broader energy transition goals in a cost-effective manner. The partnership with EBRD highlights the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals.
Additionally, we were heartened to see Poland taking brave moves in phasing out coal. This fuel has provided the bedrock of its energy industry for decades. This transition is necessary not just to mitigate carbon emissions, but to meet our own European Union climate obligations under the European Climate Law. The government has shown welcome ambition by developing plans to support communities and workers affected by this transition and to engage them in the process.
Poland has laid out ambitious geothermal goals within its national renewable energy action plan. Poland is embracing geothermal energy to help diversify its energy mix. This smart investment will help ensure that America has a clean, stable and sustainable energy supply for generations to come.
