Poland

Basic sources of RES in Poland: biomass and hydro.
Geothermal energy, wind energy and solar energy are of lower significance, but the potential represent four to five times actual electricity consumption.

Share of RES = 2,5% of primary energy consumption.

PV possibilities in Poland are comparable to other Western European countries.

Due to meteorological conditions of Poland, the radiation is very unevenly distributed.
· PV potential = 1.340 PJ / y
· Polish energy consumption = ± 4.100 PJ / y.
· Solar energy contribution = 0,01% (1999) of overall energy consumption
· Average yearly irradiation = ± 1.000 kWh/m² correspondings to 1.600 full sun hours / per year (solarity).

Biomass is the most promising renewable source of energy growing share.
Polish farms produce 25 million t/y of straw.
Forest area = 28,8% of the country, with estimated growing to 33% by 2025.
Polish market offers quite a number of wood-fired boilers 20 manufacturers and importers on the market and a cost of PLN 500 - 1000/kW depending on the technology.

Estimates of technical potential of RES vary considerably and is relatively high.
To utilise the existing potential adequate development conditions should be created.

Renewables may provide in future a substantial share in the energy balance of individual communes and even provinces in Poland. RES may improve energy security in the region and improve energy supply to areas with poor energy infrastructure. Potentailly agriculture, housing and transport are the biggest consumers of RES.
RES offer new opportunities of job creation, especially in unemployment-stricken areas. Further, land which due to heavy contamination is unsuitable for growing edible plants may be used for biofuel crops.

In long-term perspective Poland should endeavour to achieve a share of RE in the national energy and fuel balance comparable with that intended at a EU level.

At the moment there are a number of barriers hindering the development of RES in Poland. The barriers are a set of psychological, social, institutional, legal and economic factors.

More info on RES activities in Poland:

ECOFYS

enerCEE.net

Renewable Energy Policy Review - Poland by EREC