The Impact of Coal Mining Reduction on the Energy Mix of Poland

Abstract

The article is aimed at assessing the impact of reducing coal mining on the energy mix of Poland. Taking into account the current economic situation in the mining industry and its key role in the raw material economy of the country, the authors have attempted to assess the impact of the reduction the size or abandoning the production of hard coal mining in Poland on the situation in domestic energy sector and to present some of the resulting consequences. It is important that the share of coal in the national energy mix decreases each year, mainly in favor of natural gas and renewable energy sources. The wind power share in energy systems is increasing each year. This situation takes place both worldwide and in Poland. This development is a result of introducing requirements dictated by the conduct of climate policy. The energy solutions, which have a positive impact on the environment and climate change are mainly supported. However, it should be noted that in 2015 more than 50% of electricity was generated from burning hard coal in power generation plants. The vast majority of Polish power plants are hard coal fired power plants. A much smaller number are power plants powered by another type of fuel, including power plants powered by renewable energy sources. Currently, new capacities based on this fuel, i.e.: Kozienice, Jaworzno, and Opole power plants, are being built. The abovementioned conditions and the results of detailed analysis indicate that hard coal will continue to be used in Poland for many years.