Poland’s Energy Shift Accelerates Faster Than Expected, but Coal Holds Its Ground

Poland is decarbonizing more quickly than its reputation as a coal-dependent economy would suggest, yet the transition is unfolding in ways that complicate a clean break from fossil fuels.

Gas recorded the steepest output increase of any power source in both 2024 and 2025, indicating that coal is being displaced by a combination of renewables and fossil alternatives rather than clean energy alone. In 2025, gas plants produced 24.4 TWh, onshore wind contributed 23.8 TWh, and solar added 20.3 TWh. A notable benchmark was reached in June, when monthly renewable output exceeded coal generation for the first time on record.

Coal nonetheless still accounts for over half of Poland’s annual electricity production. Even as its share has declined over four years, coal plants continue to serve as grid insurance during demand peaks or spells of low wind. The 2026 capacity auction reflected this reality: Poland contracted 7.58 GW of capacity commitments and extended a special exemption allowing high-emission facilities to compete — a concession to reliability concerns over emissions targets.

Rapid renewable growth is also straining grid management. Operators were forced to curtail 1.4 TWh of generation in 2025 to keep the system in balance. Analysts point to three infrastructure gaps that must be closed before coal reserves can be retired: expanded transmission lines and cross-border interconnectors, utility-scale energy storage, and flexible demand tools including smart electric vehicle charging.

The International Energy Agency forecasts 13% annual growth in Polish renewable output through 2030, with clean sources projected to overtake coal in total annual generation by 2028.

Source: CleanTechnica