Analysis and Evaluation of the Photovoltaic Market in Poland and the Baltic States

Abstract

The household, industrial, and service sectors in Poland and the Baltic States have been facing ever-higher bills for their electricity consumption at a time when a number of them have been hit hard financially by the pandemic. Rising inflation, the border crisis—with its set of restrictions, or the spread of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, is causing strong concerns in the social and economic sphere, with significant increases in electricity prices. Many countries are implementing measures to reduce the adverse effects of rising electricity prices in response to this complex situation. The main orientation is towards obtaining energy from renewable sources, such as the sun. The current situation in the energy market determines the price per 1 KW. Among the countries under study, the price of electricity has increased the most in Poland. On the other hand, the development of the photovoltaic segment in Poland is undergoing a strong, upward trend. The above inspired the authors to explore the energy market situation in Poland and the Baltic States in the current economic conditions, along with an analysis of its development potential in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The main research problem of this study is an attempt to answer the question of what should be changed in the development of the renewable energy market in Poland, with particular emphasis on photovoltaics, to accelerate the process of reducing CO2 emissions, leading to a reduction in dramatically rising electricity prices. Which solutions implemented in the Baltic countries can inspire strengthening Poland’s energy market development?

RES Market Development and Public Awareness of the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the Energy Transformation in Poland and Lithuania

“…Furthermore, the need to ensure the availability of information on financial instruments in the field of RES financing, including professional counselling to benefit consumers' potential, is particularly important. The above conclusion is strengthened by the observation of the information deficit of RES customers [59].…”

“…Among the sources mentioned above, photovoltaics is becoming increasingly popular in achieving sustainable development goals. Currently, the total installed capacity of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Poland is estimated at over 8.76 GW (which, according to forecasts, may reach 12 GW by 2024), which currently accounts for approximately 48% of this source of energy supply in the Polish structure of RES sources [58] and for over a 3% share in the Polish energy mix [59]. To a significant extent, the growth of photovoltaic solutions is related to the increasing interest of Poles in small PV installations (private micro-installations with a limited connection power of up to 10 kWp [53], driven by friendly formal and legal instruments in this field, directed to a wide range of potential investors who are individuals (e.g., "My Current", "Clean Air", "Thermomodernization Relief"), economic entities (e.g., "Energia Plus") or farms (e.g., "Agroenergia").…”

The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Electricity Production in Poland and the Background of Energy Policy of the European Union at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Crisis

“…In 2019, the electricity price increased +9.7% and in 2020 reached +14.1%. In September 2021 the electricity price reached the level 401 PLN/MWH net compared to 239 PLN/MWH net in October 2020 [26].…”

Economic Conditions of Using Biodegradable Waste for Biogas Production, Using the Example of Poland and Germany

“…Germany has been developing RES for a long time. The country is a leader in biogas plants but also ranks first regarding the growth of installed photovoltaic capacity in the EU [20]. According to the Institute of Renewable Energy, at the end of 2021, the installed capacity of photovoltaics in EU countries was 158 GW, representing a growth of 21.4 GW (a market growth rate of more than 15%).…”