Poland has been 1 of the main coal producers in the European Union for years, and the coal manufacture is simply a key component of our economy. In fresh years, however, both interior and external force has been expanding to reduce carbon dependence on renewable energy sources. The latest decisions of the European Union on climate protection can accelerate these changes, and the question about the future of the coal manufacture in Poland is becoming more and more relevant.
The European Union has been implementing an ambitious climate change policy for respective years. The nonsubjective is to accomplish carbon neutrality by 2050, which is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to levels that will not affect the further warming of the planet. Under Green Deal, which is the main instrument in this transition, the EU has committed itself to phase out fossil fuels, including coal, from a European energy mix. This means that Poland, which inactive bases its energy on coal, faces a immense challenge.
In 2023 coal in Poland inactive accounted for around 70% of full electricity production. Although this share is gradually decreasing, it is inactive 1 of the largest coal producers in Europe. According to data from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, more than 50 million tonnes of hard coal were extracted in Poland in 2023. The coal industry, despite criticism from environmentalists and rising global pressure, remains 1 of the foundations of the Polish economy, providing thousands of jobs, especially in regions specified as Silesia.
European Union decisions on changing energy policy are crucial for the future of the Polish coal industry. In 2024 fresh regulations on the alleged "CO2 emissions" were adopted, which require associate States to introduce increasingly restrictive emanation standards. Under these regulations, the Emissions Trading strategy (EU ETS) has been introduced, forcing energy companies to acquisition carbon dioxide allowances. The more exhaust the plant produces, the higher the charges it has to pay, which makes coal power plants little profitable.
Poland, being 1 of the largest CO2 issuers in the Union, faces the request for a fast transformation of the energy sector. There are already plans to close any coal mines by 2030. However, these changes are subject to advanced social costs, as mining employment is inactive around 80 000 people. In this context, the energy transition must go hand in hand with solutions supporting coal workers, specified as retraining and occupation provision schemes in the green economy.
In consequence to the changing situation, Poland is taking steps to diversify its energy mix. The improvement of renewable energy, including wind farms, solar farms and investments in the atom, is to become key elements of future energy policy. According to the data of the Polish Wind Energy Association, more than 7 GW of power has already been installed in wind farms in Poland, and by 2030 an increase to 16 GW is planned. Moreover, the government announced the improvement of atomic power, which is to become 1 of the pillars of the Polish energy system. According to plans, the first atomic power plant in Poland is expected to start operating in 2033.
However, the European Union recognises the request to accelerate these processes. In 2025, after many years of debate, the European Commission is expected to announce fresh guidelines for ending coal subsidies in associate States. This decision can force Poland to decision faster transition, which means additional challenges, but besides an chance to invest in green energy and fresh technologies.
Poland faces a hard choice. On the 1 hand, reducing dependence on coal involves the request for immense investments in alternate energy sources. On the another hand, energy transformation risks social tensions linked to the failure of jobs in mining and coal industry. The latest EU decisions put Poland before a hard task, which requires consideration of both environmental and social interests. What further steps will be taken on this subject depends on future negotiations at EU and national level.
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Will Poland cease to be a coal country? Latest EU decisions
