Poland's energy policy: main problems and forecasts

Abstract

The objective scope of this analysis is focused on selected problems of the Polish energy policy. The text addresses three groups of issues connected with Polish energy policy: (1) institutional and legal matters, (2) forecasting, and (3) problems. In the first case, attention is given to the statutory solutions with regard to the goals, tasks, the model and the elements of the energy policy, as well as to the responsibility of different entities for its implementation. In the second case, scenarios for the development of the energy policy are presented; they are also subjected to a brief comparative analysis. In the third case, attention is given to the presentation of the following issues: (1) energy dependence, (2) energy monoculture, (3) the level of development of renewable energy sources, (4) emissions performance, and (5) energy efficiency. In order for the research problem to be elaborated, the text features the following research questions: (1) to what extent do institutional and legal solutions affect the effectiveness of the energy policy pursued in Poland?; (2) which scenario for the development of Polish energy policy should be deemed most likely?; (3) which problem issues singled out in the analysis should be regarded as the greatest challenge to the Polish energy policy?