In fresh days, there has been a major energy failure in Spain and Portugal, with large-scale effects on the population. Although the origin of the incidental has not yet been officially confirmed, experts point to possible relationships with adverse weather conditions or cyber attacks. This event has besides raised concerns in Poland, where the question of whether the country is sufficiently prepared for akin situations is increasing. In an interview with “Fakt”, Wojciech Jakóbik, an energy analyst, explains what risks may be waiting for us and how to prepare effectively for a possible blackout.
Threats for Poland: Is blackout just a substance of time?
Although Poland is considered to be a unchangeable energy strategy country, experts do not hide that the risks associated with interruptions in electricity supply are real. Events specified as accidents on the Iberian Peninsula can be an announcement of major problems that may happen besides in Poland. Wojciech Jakobik points out that nowadays we are increasingly dealing with cases of sabotage and unknown perpetrators who may intentionally lead to disruptions in energy supply.
Poland's past besides confirms that the accidents associated with the deficiency of electricity are not just a hypothetical threat. In 2015, the country faced a drought that caused a drastic decline in water levels in rivers, making it hard to cool the power plants. In 2017, strong winds led to local blackouts, and any regions were powerless for long hours. Jakub recalls that this is only part of a long past of threats related to energy safety in Poland, and each of these events shows how crucial it is to invest in infrastructure and systems to prevent specified crises.
How to prepare for the blackout?
Faced with the expanding risks of energy outages, James emphasizes that all citizen can take concrete steps to increase their safety in the blackout situation. Although the energy strategy in Poland is stable, energy supply breaks can affect anyone, especially in the event of a major accident.
The expert recommends that each home has prepared supplies that will let the endurance of a fewer days without power. Among the most crucial items worth having in case of an accident are:
- Electricity generator – a device to supply basic power supply in case of long-term power supply interruption.
- Energy retention (energy bank) – a device that stores energy for subsequent use.
- Flashlight and battery radio – essential in the absence of lighting and communication with the environment.
- Water and food stocks – basic needs that will enable endurance erstwhile energy supply breaks affect access to water and food.
- Cash – in case of problems with card payments or deficiencies in access to banks.
Jakub besides stresses that in specified situations it will be crucial to have communication systems that do not depend on the electricity grid. Battery radio or flashlight may prove invaluable during the crisis.
The Future of Energy safety in Poland
The basis of the energy safety of Poland is now conventional energy, which is mostly based on coal. However, Jakobik points out that the future of the country's energy strategy is linked to the improvement of atomic power and the increase in the function of renewable energy sources (RES). However, in order for this model to be effective, it is essential to support RES through large energy retention that will enable production to stabilise and prevent energy availability problems.
An crucial aspect, which the expert emphasizes, is the diversification of energy sources. Dependence on energy imports is dangerous due to the fact that in the event of external supply disruption, Poland may be exposed to serious power supply problems. Jakub points out that only regular investments in the stableness of the energy strategy and the improvement of modern technologies can guarantee energy safety in the long term.
Blackout is simply a threat that, although not large in Poland, is simply a real problem, especially in the face of global energy crises. Preparation for a possible power outage is in the hands of each of us. It is crucial to have the stocks needed to last in a crisis situation and to support the improvement of national energy infrastructure to increase the resilience of the strategy to external threats.
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Blackout in Poland: How to prepare for a power outage
