In June 2025, Poland achieved a historic milestone as renewable energy sources (RES) produced 44.1% of the country’s electricity, surpassing coal and lignite plants, which contributed 43.7%. This shift marks the first instance where renewables eclipsed coal in electricity generation. The trend reflects a significant transition in Poland’s energy landscape, one that emphasizes the increasing importance of clean energy even as natural gas-fired plants continue to play a substantial role.
Despite this notable achievement, fossil fuels still dominate Poland’s overall energy mix. However, officials and analysts alike point to favorable weather conditions and the recent increase in solar panel installations as factors driving the renewable energy surge. Challenges remain, particularly regarding regulatory barriers and infrastructure, which need urgent attention to sustain this momentum and further the energy transition.
As Poland seeks to reshape its energy strategies, the emphasis is both on harnessing new technologies and addressing the existing limitations that hinder progress toward a more sustainable future.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Overview of Renewable Energy’s Rise in Poland |
| 2) Factors Influencing Renewables Growth |
| 3) Challenges to Energy Transition |
| 4) Poland’s Dependency on Fossil Fuels |
| 5) Future Prospects for the Energy Sector |
Overview of Renewable Energy’s Rise in Poland
In June 2025, the preliminary data released by the Energy Forum indicates that renewable energy sources accounted for 44.1% of electricity production in Poland. For the first time in history, this surpasses the share of coal and lignite plants, which generated 43.7% during the same timeframe. This marks a significant milestone in Poland’s energy sector as it continues to transition towards cleaner alternatives.
The progress in renewable energy is notable but viewed in the context of broader energy generation. Throughout the second quarter, coal’s contribution to the energy mix stood at 45.2%, a stark realization as it is the first quarter in which coal’s output fell below half of the total production. This signals a definitive shift towards renewables, even though fossil fuels still comprise a substantial portion of Poland’s energy landscape.
Despite the encouraging trends, energy analysts remain cautious, pointing out that a majority of the energy produced still comes from fossil fuels, including natural gas, which is responsible for a significant share of the remaining energy generation. The transition, while promising, still faces numerous barriers that must be addressed to maintain this positive trajectory.
Factors Influencing Renewables Growth
A key driver behind the increase in renewable energy generation is the substantial growth in solar power capacity. According to Dr. Maria Niewierko from the Energy Forum, the installed capacity of photovoltaic (solar) sources in Poland rose by an impressive 24% compared to the previous year, totaling 23 GW. This growth is remarkable, especially when considered alongside the mere 2 GW that existed just five years prior. This drastic escalation represents a shift in public and governmental acceptance of solar energy, which is becoming increasingly entrenched in Polish energy sources.
Moreover, favorable weather conditions have contributed to this surge, particularly seen during June, which was marked by exceptional wind levels that nearly doubled the amount of energy generated from wind power as compared to the previous year. Such climatic factors underscore the potential that weather-dependent energy sources have in contributing to overall generation.
However, early July saw a slight pullback in the renewable share of electricity generation, dropping to approximately 33-34%. Experts within the industry caution that winter months could exacerbate this decline, as solar installations typically yield lower returns due to reduced sunlight. The ongoing dependence on fossil fuels serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a balanced and sustainable energy portfolio.
Challenges to Energy Transition
Despite the promising developments in renewable energy, Poland faces considerable challenges that could hamper its energy transition. One of the most significant barriers remains outdated regulatory frameworks, which have historically inhibited the growth of crucial energy sectors, especially onshore wind energy. As Dr. Niewierko notes, the government enacted a near-complete freeze on onshore wind development in 2016, and only recently have efforts begun to liberalize these regulations. Yet, actual progress remains limited as critical legislation, aimed at supporting affordable wind technology, awaits the president’s signature, amidst signs of inconsistency in governmental support.
Additionally, the anticipated establishment of the first nuclear power plant is also facing delays, with projections for its operational launch pushed from 2033 to 2036. This prolongation raises concerns about Poland’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources in an effective and timely manner.
Furthermore, the existing infrastructure presents a significant obstacle. As warned by Sebastian Skolimowski from PAD RES, improvements to the transmission grid and the development of energy storage solutions must accompany any further investments in renewable energy strategies. A robust and modernized grid will be essential for supporting increased energy generation while also effectively accommodating new energy technologies.
Poland’s Dependency on Fossil Fuels
Despite reductions in coal consumption for electricity generation, Poland continues to grapple with its reliance on fossil fuels across the broader economy. Energy Forum representatives emphasize that while coal usage has declined by 38% since Poland joined the EU, both oil and natural gas consumption have escalated, rising by 41% and 43% respectively. This duality reflects a complicated path towards energy independence.
In the context of imports, Poland’s energy dependence has grown considerably; a decade ago, it relied on imports for 29% of its energy needs, which has now increased to 45%. More concerning is the country’s overwhelming dependence on crude oil, approximately 97% of which is sourced from abroad. This highlights the vulnerability of Poland’s energy strategy, particularly in the context of geopolitical shifts affecting global oil markets.
According to analyst Kacper Kwidziński, the price of fossil fuel imports is staggering, reaching PLN 112 billion in 2024. This heavy financial burden casts a shadow over the progress made towards renewable energy, emphasizing the fundamental need for a comprehensive strategy to reduce reliance on imported fuels while simultaneously investing in domestic energy capacities.
Future Prospects for the Energy Sector
Poland finds itself at a crucial juncture regarding its energy future. The potential for renewable energy growth is extensive, yet substantial hurdles remain. The report titled Energy Transition of Poland 2025 illustrates that Poland ranks among the world’s most polluting economies, lagging behind only Kuwait, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and China in emissions per unit of GDP and energy consumption.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes investments in renewable technologies, necessary upgrades to existing infrastructure, and the establishment of stable regulations promoting sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, international collaboration may prove beneficial as Poland seeks to align its energy policies with global sustainability goals.
As the nation strives for energy independence and sustainability, the integration of renewables will become increasingly critical. The ongoing evolution of energy policies, bolstered by external investments and advancements in technology, can potentially lead Poland toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Renewable energy sources surpassed coal for the first time in June 2025. |
| 2 | Solar power capacity in Poland has experienced a 24% increase year-on-year. |
| 3 | Regulatory barriers continue to impede the development of renewable energy technologies. |
| 4 | Poland remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports, increasing its vulnerability. |
| 5 | Future prospects for Poland’s energy sector hinge on overcoming current challenges effectively. |
Summary
Poland’s energy sector stands at a significant crossroads as renewable energy sources demonstrate an unprecedented leap forward, surpassing traditional coal-based generation in mid-2025. While this is a crucial step toward a sustainable future, the reliance on fossil fuels and regulatory barriers signifies that the transition to cleaner energy is far from complete. As Poland aims to rectify its energy landscape, a concerted effort involving infrastructure upgrades and innovative technologies will be vital in making meaningful progress toward energy independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What percentage of electricity in Poland is generated from renewable sources as of June 2025?
As of June 2025, renewable energy sources produced 44.1% of Poland’s electricity, marking a historic first where renewables exceeded coal’s contribution.
Question: What are the primary challenges facing the energy transition in Poland?
Major challenges include outdated regulatory frameworks, dependence on fossil fuel imports, and the need for significant infrastructure upgrades, particularly in transmission and energy storage systems.
Question: How has Poland’s energy dependency on imports changed over the last decade?
Poland’s reliance on energy imports has increased from 29% to 45% over the past decade, highlighting a growing dependency on external energy sources for its economy.
