Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: Wisconsin companies with renewable power technology or equipment could find opportunities to participate in the transition.
Poland’s National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030 calls for renewable energy to account for up to 23% of the country’s energy consumption by the end of the decade—if the European Union will provide more funding to help make the transition.
The project also sets a goal of a 7% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions in certain sectors by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. Transportation, construction, and agriculture are the key targets.
Poland says it will increase the use of advanced biofuels, install offshore wind turbines, and expand the development of micro installations of renewable power sources.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), fossil fuels make up the bulk of Poland’s energy supply—85% in 2020. The largest share comes from coal (40%), followed by oil (28%), and natural gas (17%).
Among the 32 countries in the IEA, Poland had the highest percentage of coal use for energy production and the second-highest for heat production in 2020.
But the organization also says that Poland has made good strides in moving toward renewable power, especially solar. Government support has made Poland one of the fastest growing markets for solar panels in the European Union. From 2016 to 2021, Poland’s solar power capacity increased from 0.2 gigawatts to 7.7 gigawatts, mainly because of the installation of solar panels on homes.
Poland also is moving ahead with offshore wind installations, with plans for at least 11 gigawatts of generation by 2040, the IEA says.
Poland’s power market is regulated by the Energy Regulatory Office, which oversees electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and pricing.
The effort to further diversify Poland’s energy supply creates opportunities for Wisconsin companies specializing in renewable energy equipment, energy-efficient technologies, smart grid solutions, and environmental technologies. Engaging with trade organizations and establishing connections with potential partners or distributors in Poland can provide a way to enter the market.
