Brussels, 03/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - In its report on Poland's energy policy published this week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) calls on Warsaw to concentrate its efforts more on the climate, energy efficiency and the decarbonisation of the Polish energy sector.
Poland has made huge efforts over the last few years to develop a solid energy policy framework, as illustrated by the national strategy to 2030, to increase its energy security by strengthening its gas sector (construction of a LNG terminal, increasing its underground storage capacity, extending the transmission and distribution system, increasing national gas production and exploring the potential of unconventional fossil fuels, in particular schist gas), and by diversifying its energy mix still carbon dominated (55%, at the source of 90% of all electricity produced), especially through an ambitious nuclear programme (the building of three power plans is envisaged by 2030). The IEA also encourages Warsaw in its projects for clean coal technology, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
The IEA highlights several challenges to be faced by the Polish economy, however, including carbon intensity, which, though falling dramatically over the last 20 years, is still much higher than the average of the other EU countries which are members of the Agency. According to government forecasts, Poland's greenhouse gases will increase once again from 2020. Warsaw is urged, then, to make climate change one of the priorities of its political agenda. In view of this unique opportunity to decarbonise its energy sector by modernising its ageing infrastructure, Poland is called on to concentrate in the short-term on reducing CO2 emissions and energy efficiency, and also on renewables, CCS and nuclear power. Gas also has an important role to play provided that potential sources of schist gas are confirmed. The IEA downplays the role of coal in ensuring Poland's energy security, pointing out that its reserves are dwindling and production is expected to fall sharply by 2030, and, indeed, shortages of lignite are to be expected from 2015. Consequently, the Agency encourages Poland to pursue its efforts to diversify its energy sources and supply routes and to develop close ties with neighbouring countries. (E.H./transl.rt)