At least 55%—this is the reductions target proposed by the European Commission for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030. There is no turning back from increasingly demanding climate policy. In its latest analysis, Forum Energii shows how Poland can meet this policy.
How Poland can reach higher GHG emission reduction targets by 2030
The EU GHG emissions-reduction target does not mean that every country has to contribute equally. Keeping to the common goal but through different efforts, Poland’s contribution should be a reduction of between 44% and 51% of GHG emissions compared to 1990. This is a highly ambitious but achievable goal.
In the analysis How can Poland achieve increased GHG emission-reduction targets by 2030?, we define the flagship projects in the power sector, transport, and heating.
These actions are inevitable anyway because we will be phasing-out coal, the end of which is already visible in Poland, and we must win the fight against smog. This will also allow us to reduce emissions. Social and political consensus can be built around the flagship projects. The government has already identified many actions as priorities - Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk, head of the Power Project at Forum Energii, said.
The implementation of the flagship projects will allow Poland to reduce GHG emissions by 42% compared to 1990. This means that the gap in emission reductions that Poland must fill with actions in industry, agriculture, and forestry is between 2% and 9%.
- This is a critical condition for the success of climate policy in Poland—all sectors, including industry and agriculture, must be included in the reduction process, and coherent and bold strategies are needed - Gawlikowska-Fyk added.
Flagship projects:
- Change of mix in the power sector. Impact: 66.6% reduction in emissions in this sector.
- Clean heat. Impact: 48.5% reduction in emissions in this sector.
- Electrification of transport. Impact: slowing and reducing emissions compared to current levels.
- Innovative industry. Impact: 40% reduction in emissions in this sector.
Poland has always opposed ambitious targets in this area, but now a breakthrough seems possible—the end of coal is inevitable. The country must ensure its energy security, and after the pandemic, it will need new investments. Reducing CO2 emissions is also associated with improving air quality, which the government defines as a strategic challenge. Through such measures, Poland will be able to solve its domestic energy and emissions problems and use EU funds for the transformation.
Date of publication:: 4 December 2020
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Authors:
dr Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk, Forum Energii
Michał Borkowski, Forum Energii