‘Crash course’ on energy in Poland

If Davos made people ‘feel like a kid-in-a-candy shop’, then the Energy Forum in Sopot, Poland triggered the same feeling among energy geeks. This year’s edition was held on 16-18 December 2013, and featured debates about about energy situation in Central Europe, the outlook for gas markets in Europe, the role of renewables in the national energy systems and how Germany’s ‘Energiewende’ will impact neighbouring countries. One could learn about the electricity grids between Lithuania and Poland; which direction Ukraine looks when it comes to its energy policy and how the Norwegian energy system influences Central Europe. Participants also discussed ‘local’ issues such as the role of coal, shale gas and nuclear energy in the Polish economy.

The event was a great opportunity to have a quick ‘crash course’ on what the Polish energy system currently looks like and what we can expect in the coming years. You can find some of the presentations and materials here.

Did you know?

• At the beginning of 2014, Poland will publish its 2050 energy strategy, which will showcase the direction the country would like to take in the next 30+ years. While details remain unknown, shale gas and trans-border gas connections will be featured. Security of supply will be  also included in the strategy;
• In 2014, The Polish National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management will distribute 240 million Euro to support development of renewable energy in the country;
• In 2014 Poland may obtain 202 million Euro from the sale of CO₂ emission rights, while in 2015 this figure could rise to 245 million Euro;
• The three biggest suppliers of electricity in Poland predict a 6 percent drop in the price of electricity in 2014;
• Polish shale gas regulation will most probably be sent for consideration to the Council of Ministers at the beginning of 2014;
• By the end of next year, Gas Transmission Operator Gaz-System will allocate 192 million Euro  into the expansion of Polish gas infrastructure;
• A new Polish Law on Renewable Energy will come into force at the beginning of 2015.

And finally next year Poland and nine other Eastern European Counties will celebrate their 10th anniversary of EU accession. Much has changed since that time and countries are still very busy with improving their energy systems, ensuring security of supply and working out their own energy path.

Ewa Abramiuk