Poland

Poland ranks 54th in this year’s CCPI down two spots and is an overall very low performer. In the GHG Emissions and Climate Policy categories, Poland receives a very low and in the Renewable Energy and Energy Use categories a low rating.

European Union drives Poland’s GHG reductions

Poland has no climate neutrality goal and is lacking policy instruments, which would effectively reduce GHG emissions in transport and buildings. Rather than being driven by Poland’s own proactive initiative, European Union policies drive Poland’s GHG reductions.

Poland plans to exit coal power production by 2049. The CCPI experts say this needs to be sooner to keep global warming within 2°C. Poland is among the nine countries responsible for 90% of global coal production. The war in Ukraine has also affected Poland’s gas supply, as Poland has relied heavily on Russian gas. At the same time, Poland opened its Baltic pipe in September. The CCPI experts express concern about Poland’s plans to increase reliance on fossil gas, often described in the official documents as low-emission fuel.

Focus on fossil fuels is still too high

Energy security issues – first energy security then climate policy – currently determine political and public discussion in Poland. Although the Polish government has approved a draft law on onshore wind energy to amend the 10H Act, this is not yet discussed in the Parliament. Also, a new renewable energy target and an update of the Polish Energy Policy for 2040 were announced, but neither has been published as an official document.

The CCPI experts criticise that all current measures and policy to tackle the energy crisis have a strong focus on fossil fuels rather than renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. They also criticise that Poland is blocking the Fit for 55 package within the European Union. This is reflected in the very low rating Poland receives for its international climate policy.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Andrzej Ancygier (Climate Analytics)
• Wojciech Szymalski &  Andrzej Kassenberg (Institute for Sustainable Development Foundation)
• Bartłomiej Kupiec (Stowarzyszenie z energią o prawie)
• Zofia Wetmańska & Aleksander Śniegocki  (Reform Institute)