Poland’s energy sector is undergoing a critical transformation as the country tries to shift away from its heavy dependence on coal while ramping up investments in cleaner energy. Although coal still supplies around 57% of the country’s electricity—down from 70% in 2022—the pace of change is intensifying. Renewables, particularly wind and solar, now make up nearly 30% of the energy mix, driven by climate targets, EU pressure, and the need to reduce emissions. However, Poland remains the only European Union member state that has not officially set a coal phase-out date, raising concerns over its long-term environmental and economic competitiveness. The country’s coal-heavy energy system is also among the EU’s most polluting, making electricity expensive and hindering its industrial growth.
In an effort to accelerate its transition, Poland has introduced new legislation to ease restrictions on wind energy projects, aiming to quadruple onshore wind capacity by 2040. Leading energy companies like Tauron are committing to exit coal by 2030, while others, such as Orlen, have pledged major investments—over €850 million—to modernize distribution systems and integrate more renewables into the grid. These moves signal a growing recognition that the future lies in cleaner, more resilient energy systems. Still, experts caution that without clear policies, steady financial backing, and stronger political will, Poland’s transition could remain sluggish. The challenge now is turning momentum into meaningful, lasting change that aligns with both climate goals and energy security. More