Wawrzyniak, M. (2022). The coal and the current stage of energy transition in Poland – is there a feasible scenario? [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2022.103525
Poland; EU Green Deal; energy transition; coal; renewable energy
en
Abstract:
By adopting the EU Green Deal strategy, the European Union decided to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement and fully contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions, committing itself to closing the coal sector in all 27 Member States by 2030. One country in the community, however, decided not to fulfill its portion and openly opposed Brussels' plans concerning sudden and fundamental changes in its energy system. Poland, which is the largest remaining coal producer in Europe, decided to act on its own terms and chose 2049, not 2030, as the moment to close all coal mines on its territory, giving a number of reasons, heavily neglected by the general international public. The need for comprehensive reforms as well as demanding full financing of the energy transition process has opened a discussion on the real reasons why coal in Poland is such a valuable element that it is worth fighting for its survival. This thesis aims to discuss the role that coal plays in the core formation of the Polish society, to better understand the reasons behind the intensified opposition, by discussing coal's position in economic, social, and political constrains to the phasing-out process. It will also look at the current stage of the renewable energies in Poland as an answer and substitute to the conventional energy sources. All the activities will be conducted to finally answer the question whether there is a possibility of the feasible scenario to the coal sector which will find the balanced ground between the Polish mining and growing effects of climate change.