Social and political barriers of renewable energy sources (RES) development in Poland

Abstract

Poland, as one of the post-Soviet countries, has been heavily relying on natural gas import from Russia. In addition, this country generates a large amount of electricity through hard coal/lignite coal combustion that engenders a great measure of greenhouse gas emission.  The EU recommends Poland to decrease the greenhouse gas emission, and in a gradual pace to meet the EU’s goals and objectives of building a sustainable environment bolstered by a successful energy transition. To Poland, energy transition is urgent and alarming. Poland has initiated its energy plan till the year of 2040 and has aimed at a comprehensive transition to sustainable energy system. A well-balanced energy transformation cannot distance from technology innovation and development co-functioning with smooth and successful policy-making and implementation. Poland, as a receiving country of foreign direct capital and high technology in the EU, is facing multiple obfuscations to reform its energy systems and to radicalize the nation’s renewable energies development.  What are Poland’s social and political barriers of renewable energy sources (RES) development? This article intends to offer answers to this question