Abstract:

The aim of the research was to identify and evaluate the possibility of development for chosen electricity generation technologies in Poland in years 2014–2023, putting particular emphasis on the role of biomass in the energy transition process. The analysis used statistical data on energy production (in GWh) and installed capacity (in MW) obtained from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) and the Energy Instrat database. Our analysis included descriptive and comparative approaches: calculations of Average Yearly growth (YOY) and correlation coefficients between increases in power and production of energy. These analyses included fossil fuels (i.e. hard coal, lignite and natural gas) and renewable energy sources (i.e. biomass, photovoltaics, wind energy and hydroelectric power plants). The findings of the research show that in the structure of the Polish energy mix, the share of fossil fuels (including hard coal and lignite) is decreasing and the share of renewable technologies, mainly photovoltaics and wind energy, is recording dynamic growth. In Poland, despite biomass energy production being stable, its development is limited, with significant implications for further decarbonization. While biomass energy production trends are relatively stable, their slower pace of development indicates the existence of barriers that might have important consequences for further decarbonisation of the Polish economy.