Poland generated more electricity from renewables than lignite for the first time last year

Last year, Poland generated a record 35 TWh of electricity from renewable energy sources (excluding hydropower). As a result, renewables accounted for a larger share of total electricity generation than lignite-fired power plants for the first time in history. Hard coal nevertheless remained the main source of electricity, with a share of nearly 50%. The foreign news website BiznesAlert reported, citing data published by Polish transmission system operator PSE.

Renewable energy sources (RES) are on the rise in Poland. A further 5 GW of installed capacity was connected to the grid last year, helping electricity generation from these sources (excluding hydropower) reach a record 35 TWh.

As a result, RES accounted for 21.5% of total electricity generation, surpassing the share of electricity generated from lignite (21.1% last year) for the first time in history. By comparison, RES accounted for just under 16% of electricity generation in 2022, while the share of lignite-fired power plants was almost 27%.

As in previous years, Poland generated the most electricity from hard coal last year, at nearly 77 TWh. Hard coal-fired power plants thus accounted for roughly 47% of total electricity generation, and when hard coal and lignite generation are combined, coal still accounts for nearly 70% of Poland’s electricity production.

New government promises a change in energy policy

Poland’s new government, which replaced the far-right Law and Justice party (PiS) after eight years in power, is paving the way to reduce the country’s energy mix dependence on coal and is seeking to align Poland’s energy policy with the EU’s climate goals.

The solution is expected to involve higher electricity generation from renewable sources, the construction of nuclear power plants and intensive electrification. Coal is a significant source not only of electricity but also of heat. Nearly half of Polish households use it for heating.

Coal’s large share is one reason for Poland’s very poor air quality. The “Clean Air” programme, with a budget of 25 billion euros through 2030, is intended to help tackle the problem. Under the programme, Poland will introduce stricter standards and increase investment in renewable energy sources, energy storage and the electrification of public transport.

According to Poland’s new energy and climate plan for 2030, the goal is to achieve at least a 50% share of renewable energy in electricity generation and a 30% share in gross final energy consumption.