Effectively achieve the goal of the 2030 climate framework : a case of cooperation between Poland and Germany

Abstract

The European Union has set ambitious goals in the field of energy. With the 2030 framework member states have to implement further more stringent policies. Although united by a common goal, member states pursue various strategies which may be contradictory. Germany decided to phase out nuclear energy, whereas Poland is expected to run a nuclear power plant by 2024. Therefore the question arises whether cooperation between these states could solve the current problems in the energy sector taking into account the goals set for the year 2030. Today, Poland and Germany face various challenges in the electricity sector. Germany struggles with higher fluctuations in the electricity grid, inflexibility of the incumbent system, increasing prices for end consumers and difficulties of the big utility companies to adapt to the new market environment. Poland on the other hand is relying on outdated power plants which require extensive investment and face increasing electricity demand from end consumer and industry. Therefore, this thesis aims at analyzing in depth these challenges faced by Germany and Poland. Based on these findings it will seek to find ways of cooperation which would allow both countries to reach more effectively the 2030 framework considering the economic and political perspective within the limits of technical constraints.