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Heating transformation 2030 | Small district heating systems

87.5% (463 out of 529) of all district heating systems in Poland do not have the status of efficient systems. They must change this if they want to maintain access to public aid in the future and continue to provide Poles with heat at a reasonable price. 

The last bell for district heating in Poland

District heating in Poland urgently needs to be modernised. Negotiating transitional periods for EU legislation has so far allowed difficult decisions to be postponed. However, the deadlines are running. A comprehensive review of district heating systems is necessary.

Ensuring reliability of the power system and capacity mechanisms

A stable and reliable supply of energy is the foundation of national energy security, yet it should not burden end users with excessive costs. On the one hand, it is important to keep electricity prices low, as they are the driving force behind economic development and provide opportunities for industrial development. On the other hand, wholesale energy prices should be sufficient to maintain the generating fleet. Since wholesale electricity prices fell to the lowest level in years, concerns have arisen over ensuring an adequate level of capacity and securing stable power system operations in Poland.

Flex-E | How to develop the DSR potential in Poland and reduce the costs of the energy system

The Polish energy sector is entering a new phase of transformation. Planned integration of industry into the the support for energy security offers a chance to reduce by at least 1200 MW peak demand for electricity in Poland during periods of critical load od Polish Power System. this is what results from the analysis of the national potential of DSR services prepared by Forum Energii.

Risk preparedness in an integrated European electricity market

An integrated European electricity market will benefit consumers through lower prices, more cost-effective integration of renewable resources, and improved system reliability. A central question often asked in the context of the IEM is: can Poland rely on resources from neighbouring countries in a crisis situation? Is it safe to integrate market when national transmission system operators (TSOs) are responsible for managing energy systems in Europe.

Options for integration of the Polish energy market within the European Union

Forum Energii examined how the integration of the energy market, one of the priorities of the European Union, will affect wholesale electricity prices in Poland. Depending on the option to integrate markets (with which country the merger takes place and what is its capacity), the wholesale price of electricity in Poland may fall by up to 5%, i.e. by about PLN 8 per MWh.

How to ensure that the consumer improves the security of the energy system and benefits from it?

Ordinary Kowalski can improve the security of the energy system and at the same time save money. It is enough to change the energy tariffs and provide up-to-date information on how much electricity we use. In winter, the power system can be offloaded by 200MW. The annual costs of households could fall by as much as 160 PLN.

Capacity market arrangements in Great Britain - lessons learnt for Poland

In 2014, the UK government introduced legal provisions for a capacity market in Great Britain. Many countries – including Poland – have since then followed the developments on the island. FAE describes the power market in Great Britain as well as measures to raise its security of supply. It also compares the volume of Great Britain’s capacity reserve with that of Poland. The goal of the project was to analyse the results of the capacity auction in Great Britain in December 2014 and to draw possible lessons for Poland in view of the special situation of the Polish power sector. 

Electricity and industrial competitiveness

Industrial competitiveness is at the centre of the Polish debate about the future (and the logic) of climate and energy policy. There is a widely held opinion that low prices are the most important condition for a thriving industry. 

How do we deal with summer peaks? Changes after the crisis in 2015

Will photovoltaics save us from the blackout? Summer peaks still remain a challenge, although over three years have passed, since the crisis in 2015 where the industrial consumers were faced with limitations in electricity supply. In October, Minister of Energy admitted that 2 GW of PV could help Poland to avoid blackout in the future. It has been known for many years. Forum Energii presents its assessment of changes that have been introduced to the energy system to avoid similar situations in the future.

Poland's Energy Policy 2040 in the spotlight

Probable delays of the nuclear energy project, insufficient attention to energy costs and the risk of non-compliance with EU climate and energy targets – these are some of the comments of Forum Energii on the draft Poland’s Energy Policy.

Why compensations of power prices can cause more harm than good

This is the first time such an unexpected turn of events has occurred in the energy sector. The government lost control of the strategic economy sector and seems surprised with the increase in prices and rising import of coal, gas and electricity. This unexpected situation has led to huge astonishment at a time when elections are imminent. 

Flexibility of the Polish power system | Diagnosis, potential, solutions

Flexibility of the power system means its ability to maintain uninterrupted operation under conditions of rapid and huge fluctuations in electricity consumption generation. It is an inherent part of the system design and control of its operation. In the analysis, Forum Energii puts forward solutions supporting the improvement of  the national power system flexibility. In addition to reducing the costs of the power sector and the improvement in quality and reliability of the electricity supply, their objective is to reduce emissions by the power sector.    

Energy transition in Poland | Edition 2019

Growing imports of gas, coal and electricity. Increasing importance of gas in the energy mix and stagnation in RES. Increase in greenhouse gas emissions. These are the most important conclusions from this year's edition of the report "Energy Transition in Poland" prepared by the Forum Energii. Full report in English will be available soon. 

Clean heat 2030 | Strategy for heating

In the report "Clean Heat 2030. Strategy for heating" Forum Energii examined how to make heating no longer a source of smog in Poland by 2030 in a cost-effective and socially acceptable way. According to the analysis, health costs of pollutants can be reduced by 50% within a decade and dust emissions from individual heating by 91%. At the same time, CO2 emissions from heating will fall by 30%. 

Locational market in Poland. Security of supply, costs and the impact on the energy transition

In the latest report Locational market in Poland. Security of supply, costs and impact on the energy transition, Forum Energii recommends changes on the energy market in Poland. It is a response to the emerging problems of the Polish energy transformation - high prices, ageing infrastructure, dominant share of coal. As an example, it presents the functioning of the electricity markets in the United States.

Small steps to big changes | Impact of the "Clean Energy..." package on power sector

We are starting to implement new EU energy regulations. Will the "Clean energy for all Europeans" package heal the Polish energy sector and give it an impulse for development? How can the energy consumer benefit from the changes? In Forum Energii's report "Small steps to big changes", we analyse the provisions of the Package and their consequences for Poland. 

From the Loire to the Vistula River | Three steps in planning the energy transition

Polish-French relations have become a bit difficult lately. When President Macron said in an interview that the Paris climate protesters should move to Warsaw because it is Poland that is blocking European climate ambitions, Poland was in turmoil. Leaving aside the emotions, it is worth looking at how the French are coping with the energy transformation. This is what the new analysis of the Forum Energii is about.

Capacity market for review | Analysis of the results of three auctions

The three capacity auctions for 2021-2023 are behind us. What is the result? Has it been possible to encourage manufacturers to make new investments? Does the capacity market support diversification of the mix? How much does the capacity market cost? And finally, do the new EU regulations concerning emission standards mean the end of the capacity market in Poland?

Energy transition in Poland | 2020 Edition

Electricity production from coal is decreasing, electricity imports are increasing; the importance of gas in the energy mix continues to grow, and renewable energy sources also play a more important role in the system. These are the key conclusions of the Forum's recent study "Energy transition in Poland". This is the third edition of the report, which presents key data on the state of the Polish energy sector and its changes.    

Anti-smog roadmap for Żywiec | Clean heat by 2030

The challenge of fighting the coronavirus and the upcoming spring are distracting public attention from the problem of smog. But it will not disappear and as the boomerang will return in a few months with the start of the heating season. Especially to the towns and cities - where, like in Żywiec, more than 80% of heating energy comes from coal. In the latest report of the Forum Energii Anti-Smog Roadmap for Żywiec. Clean heat by 2030." we indicate what steps should be taken to get rid of smog by 2030. Now the report is available only in Polish, but English version will be published soon.    

Modernising the European lignite triangle

In a new study, Agora Energiewende and Forum Energii analyse the opportunity for a phase out from lignite and the effects this would have in the power sector in Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany by 2032. The study finds that an accelerated phase out is technically and economically feasible if coordinated among the three countries – provided, lignite is being substituted by renewable energy sources.

Dynamic and just | Network tariff design for the future

It is non-elastic, inefficient, unsuited to the changing realities of the energy market and the accelerating energy transition. The Polish model of network tariffs, i.e. the system of payments for delivering electricity to consumers, must be changed. In its latest report, Forum Energii, together with the Regulatory Assistance Project, analyses the principles that need to be considered when designing a new approach to tariffs.

The cost of carbon-free buildings and transport: the EU’s plans and Poland's challenges

Work on the European Green Deal is accelerating. The main tool to achieve the new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the EU will be the Fit for 55 package. Among its key elements is support for reducing CO2 emissions from buildings and transport. For Poland, this debate will be uncomfortable because over the course of three decades, not only has pollution not decreased but it has increased considerably in transport. This results in terrible air quality in Poland. Catching up, which is necessary for both climate reasons and the modernisation of outdated infrastructure and improvement of air quality, will be a challenge. The introduction of emission charges is intended to help. In its latest study, Forum Energii proposes measures to internalise the external costs of emissions in a way that is smooth, gradual, and socially acceptable.

The district heating company of the future

Heat in Poland becomes more expensive. This is a result of an outdated business model in district heating, which rewards the company for as much heat production as possible and does not encourage to modernize the infrastructure. Meanwhile, consumers want to pay as little as possible for energy and heat. One of the key elements of the game for lower bills and lower CO2 emissions is becoming energy efficiency of heating systems and buildings. This completely changes the market conditions in which heating companies have to find themselves. If we do not want them to collapse - it is necessary to implement a new business model in district heating. Forum Energii writes about how it could look like in its latest report.

Distribution grids and electromobility. Planning and development

In recent days, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an acceleration in the development of electromobility. By 2030, 145,000 charging points are to be built in Britain, and from 2022 all new residential and office buildings will have to be equipped with chargers. This is just one of the announcements of the global revolution in transportation. In Poland the pace and character of changes have different dimension. The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) has just announced a programme of subsidies for the construction of charging stations for electric and hydrogen vehicles as well as PLN 1 billion support for operators to develop distribution networks.

Cutting energy bills before winter

The upcoming winter will be difficult for many Polish households due to high costs of heat and electricity. In the latest report by Forum Energii, more than 30 concrete measures are listed. They can be implemented easily and at a low (or even none) cost before the heating season. This will reduce bills and improve the country's energy security.  

To accelerate the development of RES

The Polish energy system urgently needs an accelerated development of new renewable capacity. Work is underway in the Polish parliament to liberalise the 10 H distance rule, which stemmed development of onshore wind. Changing this rule is one of the most important decisions on which the success of Poland's energy transition lies. The seemingly small change in the location of investments from the originally planned 500 m to 700 m from residential buildings - is a significant reduction in the potential for wind energy development.   This is one of the most high-profile examples of how renewable energy sources are still treated by decision-makers as an unwanted addition to the energy system and face development barriers. Other problems include the length and complexity of the process of locating investments and obtaining planning permits, as well as the lack of connection capacity for installations. In the latest Forum Energii report, we propose solutions to optimise administrative processes and increase the technical capacity to connect new RES projects to the grid.   

Poland's support in the energy crisis. Last call for NRP

If Poland does not come to an agreement on the NRP in the coming months - it will be too late for sensible spending of the money available to the country. By the end of June, the Polish government may present to the European Commission changes to the spending plan for the National Recovery Plan - completed with investments to increase resilience to the energy crisis. Consultations with the EC are just starting. This is the last bell for Poland to reach for loans and grants under the the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the REPowerEU plan. How to change the Polish NRP to make it a practical response to the energy crisis?

Potential of cable pooling in Poland

The development of renewable energy sources is one of the most urgent needs of the Polish energy system. RES lower energy costs, reduce emissions and increase energy security. However, although energy companies, industry, local authorities and individual consumers are interested in investments in RES, the further development of new, emission-free energy sources has been a challenge. One of the main problems is the denial of connection capacity to new RES investments. In addition to the necessary grid investments, a more efficient use of the existing infrastructure is needed to solve this problem. One of the tools available is cable pooling - enabling the interconnection of RES sources.

Past time for gas?

Over the past two years, natural gas has become a high-risk fuel: it is subject to huge price fluctuations and, following the disruption of supplies from Russia, competition for imports of this resource from other sources is increasing. Not long ago, there were plans in Poland to significantly increase the consumption of natural gas throughout the economy - by 75% by 2035. It was supposed to be a transition fuel.

The electricity system needs heating sector

The National Power System (NPS) will face new challenges. These include the uninterrupted supply of energy to consumers when the oldest and most emission-intensive generating units are phased out, but also the efficient use of variable RES sources. District heating may be the key to solving NPS problems. In peak demand of the NPS, additional energy can be provided by cogeneration units, in times of surplus energy in the system - it can be absorbed by electric boilers producing cheap heat. The operation of CHP units can also improve the performance of electricity grids.

Spring is coming in the DSR

Last year, PSE launched the first edition of the DSR program. Its outcomes are positive. However, this year it could be much better. Apart from the second edition of the PSE program, the capacity market is also starting.

Why Paris is important?

The final phase of negotiations aimed at counteracting climate change has commenced in Paris. For the first time in 8 years there is a real chance to sign a global agreement. Two countries which have been the most sceptical till now and, at the same time, responsible for the biggest greenhouse gas emissions - the USA and China, have decided to limit the emissions and, among others, to develop renewable energy resources.

Power deficit in the Polish power system in August 2015

The heat wave which affected the whole country from the beginning of August, in combination with the hydrological conditions of the main rivers, resulted in deterioration of the operating conditions of power generation equipment and power networks in Poland. As a result, PSE SA (Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne, the Transmission System Operator) imposed various levels of limitations of power supply for industrial consumers until the end of August. Such measures were taken for the first time in many years.

A low-emission economy is a global model

The Paris Agreement is not only a success for the negotiators, but above all evidence of the growing interest in the development of a low-emission economy. According to the International Energy Agency, within 5 years RES capacity will constitute 60% of all power in the energy sector. Despite the fact that we are only talking about capacities and the real production of green energy is lower, it is a strong signal concerning the trend of energy production in the world.

Is isolationism profitable?

Below you will find opinion on the article concerning the text entitled "Import of cheap energy – higher costs for consumers" by Prof. Władysław Mielczarski, Ph.D. Eng., Łódź University of Technology, BiznesAlert, published on the CIRE website (in Polish) on the September 7, 2015.

An EU anti-smog fund for Poland

Poland has some of the worst air quality in the EU. But fighting smog is expensive. The Modernisation Fund set up as part of the Emissions Trading Scheme could help here.

Hidden potential of district heating

Up to 2 GW of additional power in summer peaks can be supplied by the existing heat and power plants to the National Power System (NPS). This is four times more than the capacity of the new Turów power plant unit, which is currently under construction. Such a potential lies in the production of network cooling, accumulation of heat, running in "condensation" mode (without heat production) and cogeneration. Reaching for these resources will improve the security of the energy system and reduce emissions to the environment.

Benefits from rising prices of CO2 emission allowances

Discussions about rising prices of CO2 emission allowances will not remain silent. When buyers pay more, the state budget gains. Poland should allocate these funds for low-carbon modernisation. 

The amendment to the Energy Law Act lowers the rank of the Poland's energy policy

The draft amendment to the Energy Law (October 2018) prepares the implementation of the EU requirement to submit integrated national plans in the field of energy and climate. The regulations proposed in this form, however, lower the rank of the national energy policy. They also change the mode of appointing the President of the Energy Regulatory Office, which may affect its independence. This is worrying.  

Capacity market auction results | What next?

On November 15, 2018 PSE S.A. (state owned transmission system operator in Poland) held the first auction as part of the new scheme of remunerating capacity, that is a capacity market. The auction secured 22.7 GW for 2021 for a total amount of over 5 billion PLN (over 1,2 billion EUR). The cost of the capacity scheme appears significantly higher than the 4 billion the Ministry of Energy assumed for the year. 

Polish Energy Policy until 2040 | First commentary of Forum Energii

Today, the Ministry of Energy presented the State Energy Policy outline for consultation – a welcome announcement. We consider this a basis for public discussion, in which energy and environmental experts, business representatives and the broader society alike should participate. Energy affects all of our lives. Particularly at times of high energy prices we have to think about what to do next.

Poland’s Energy and Climate Plan to 2030 – not sufficient EU perspective

The National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030  is the second strategic document for the Polish energy sector in addition to the long-awaited Poland’s Energy Policy until 2040. It will affect, among other things, investments in the energy sector, the implementation of our international commitments, energy security and improvement of air quality. Therefore, it should not only describe the current state of the Polish energy sector, but above all define future objectives and determine measures and actions to achieve them.

Clean heat 2030 | Costs and benefits

It would not be an exaggeration to say that domestic heating, both district heating and individual, is ahead of the historic bend. If we get into this turn right, we will be very successful, if not, the results may be significant.   

Power sector after the elections | Three tasks for the new government

The Polish energy sector is at a turning point. What will the next government find after the elections in the autumn? It will inherit not only electricity market, but also smog.  

DEcarbonization in Germany 2030

Just before the UN climate summit in New York, the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition announced new ideas on how to achieve Germany's 2030 climate targets. For now, these are mainly national measures, but a similar discussion and perhaps similar solutions will emerge at European level. This will have a significant impact on the EU regulations concerning the energy sector, and thus also on Poland.

1 GW of PV in Poland - this is just the beginning

In Poland we have just reached 1 GW of capacity in photovoltaic installations. Their growth rate has accelerated in the last several months. With the increasing economic attractiveness of photovoltaics, we are no longer wondering whether this development will be continued, but what are its limits. One thing is certain - we will wait much shorter for the next gigawatt and there will be at least a few drivers of this growth.  

Draft Poland's Energy Policy 2040 - new and better?

On the 8th of November 2019, the Ministry of Energy has presented an updated draft of Poland's Energy Policy until 2040. Yet, the adoption of the energy strategy will be the responsibility of the new government, including new ministries - the Ministry of State Assets and the Ministry of Climate. In our opinion, it is high time for Poland to address the climate and energy crisis. It is also important for us to start implementing the commitments made at the EU forum. The energy sector should be given a course in line with international trends, and not be allowed to float in a random direction.

The last auction of this kind...

The fourth capacity market auction was held on the 6th of December 2019. Although there were some long-awaited new projects, the Santa Claus gift (which the capacity market support could be) was offered primarily to the existing coal-fired units, which in most cases decided to modernize. They were allowed to participate in the auction for the last time, as the European Union regulations will not allow such participation from next year.

Fighting on the wrong front. Polish gvernment intends to subsidise energy consumption instead of fighting energy poverty

The Ministry of State Assets announces subsidies to energy bills for people earning less than 5 000 net per month. The reaction to the increase in electricity prices in Poland has shown that politicians are so afraid of this subject. However, they have no good idea how to solve it.   

Will the coronavirus slow down or speed up the low carbon energy transition in Poland?

The world is in chaos. The priority is to stop the spread of the virus and contain the crisis. A stable energy supply is crucial - it's hard to imagine what would happen if there was no power or heat supply now. The million dollar question however, how will the current crisis affect the energy transformation in the long term?

Investment in the energy sector as a remedy for the crisis

After a few weeks of the pandemic in Poland, we know for sure that the virus will infect the economy, even as we finally get rid of it ourselves. We need to act decisively right now. But we also need to think about economic recovery, in which the low-carbon transformation of energy has to take a central place. This is the time for bold decisions, so far postponed. A strategic rebuilding of the sector must be announced today to help society emerge from the crisis and provide long-term benefits.

Energy sector integration | Key to becoming climate-neutral by 2050

The future energy mix will be dominated by renewable energy sources (RES) with zero production costs, such as wind farms and photovoltaics. The abundance of cheap electricity will allow for the replacement of fossil fuels, both in heating and transport sectors. Effective integration of these sectors, within one energy system, will also help to solve the problem of weather-dependent RES production.

55% ― only without panic

EU climate policy is accelerating again. The European Commission has just proposed raising the target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions until 2030 to 55%. Poland has always opposed ambitious goals, but now a breakthrough seems possible―the end of coal is inevitable, we must take care of energy security, after coronavirus we need new investments, and reducing CO2 emissions is associated with improving air quality, which the government defines as a strategic challenge. By taking these measures now, in heat, electricity and transport, emissions can be reduced by over 40%. The remaining cuts will come from the new policies on industry and agriculture and the sharing of efforts between Member States.

Obligation to sell electricity on power exchange―no time for sudden moves

The Ministry of Climate and Environment have announced its plans to abolish the obligation to sell electricity on power exchange by generators, a so-called ‘obligo’. A public consultation on the proposed law is underway. The topic seems technical and niche. But the effects of the planned changes will be widespread: with the electricity market not very competitive, the abolition of the obligation will increase wholesale prices and have a negative impact on consumers―mainly industrial ones. This is a step backwards in terms of competition and transparency of the electricity market in Poland.

The purpose of the EU-ETS and its pending reforms

Since the beginning of the year, CO2 emission allowance prices have risen by 70%, from EUR 30 to over EUR 50 per tonne. The rate of this increase has again triggered discussion in Poland on the purpose of the Emissions Trading System’s (EU-ETS) existence. Meanwhile, the EU discussion on the ETS, which is due to begin shortly, will not be about whether to abolish the system, but how to reform it so that the EU can achieve its decarbonization goals. Carbon pricing will be the most important tool for achieving the EU's 55% emissions reduction target in 2030. In this text, we explain the system’s basic operational principles and highlight expected discussion topics and possible upcoming changes. 

Poland needs 2 GW of new photovoltaic capacity annually - that's why prosumers should be supported

The government is announcing changes in the support system for prosumers. The combination of the current operational support scheme (a version net-metering, called “rebates”), subsidies in the form of the “Mój Prąd” program and tax credits resulted in rapid development of solar energy in Poland. Within a few years the installed capacity in micro-installations increased from 200 MW to 3.3 GW. Security of energy supply in the summer has strengthened, CO2 emissions have been reduced and the generation mix has become more diversified to some extent. Citizens have fallen in love with renewables for good. So what’s next?

NABE - the hibernatus of the Polish energy sector

In the film with Louis de Funès, a separate, unreal world was created for the titular hibernatus to make him feel comfortable in the new reality. With the National Energy Security Agency (NABE) that the government is proposing for coal power, it is similar. The ring-fencing of coal assets is necessary because they are making increasing losses, the power companies are in debt, and with the coal burden in the new reality they are running out of finance to invest. However, without a cost-benefit analysis for the economy and society, or an assessment of the risks, NABE, instead of unlocking the transition, may hibernate it and introduce chaos that will threaten Poland's energy security.

FIT FOR 55 - what will the package contain?

On 14 July, the European Commission will publish the Fit for 55 package consisting of several legislative proposals. This will officially launch the discussion on measures to achieve the interim EU climate neutrality target, i.e. a 55% reduction of CO2 emissions compared to 1990. Before these rules finally come into force, they have to be accepted by EU member countries (i.e. the Council) and the European Parliament. The negotiations will take at least a year, most likely - two. The changes will not be law until 2024, but it is high time we considered how to implement them for the benefit of the climate and the economy.

From 2025 coal will leave the Polish energy system in waves

Poland’s energy sector is entering a period of major turbulence. The immediate question is the continued operation of the Turów power station since the EU Court of Justice recently ordered the suspension of lignite mining there. This is just the beginning of the problems. After 2025, when public support ends, the first 8 GW of coal capacity may leave the Polish system, and a little later, another 6 GW. The power plants will be shut down due to age and costs. Observing the government’s actions, one can get the impression that all hope lies in the proposed National Agency for Energy Security . Yet, this is a side discussion because no change in ownership structure will improve the situation of the failing coal power industry. Instead, difficult decisions must be made, and the possibilities of supporting the operation of coal-fired power plants with public money are already very limited.

10 steps to overcome the energy crisis

The prices of coal, gas, and CO2 are reaching record levels while the price for electricity is galloping, causing panic among politicians, energy consumers, and institutions responsible for maintaining Poland’s energy security. There is a state of emergency in the Polish energy sector caused by, among other things, the situation on the energy source market, but not only. The country is also bearing the consequences of many years of postponing necessary modernisation decisions. It is time to take urgent actions that match the situation.

E-mobility - a chance for further development of economic cooperation between Poland and Germany

The Polish and German economies work in a system of interconnected vessels.Even if the echoes of the visit of the new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Poland suggest that there are many issues that divide us, there are also those that unite us. For instance the development of electromobility may raise this cooperation to a higher level, but it is necessary to prepare strategically for it.  The focus should be on cooperation in the area of technological developmentbattery production and recycling, joint planning of infrastructure, as well as exchange and sharing of knowledge, especially in the area of innovation.

Lack of transformation hikes energy prices, not climate policy

A recent information campaign led by energy companies and echoed by politicians,  suggests that CO2 accounts for as much as 60% of the electricity cost. This message creates an impression that the cost of buying allowances amounts to 60 percent of the end users’ electricity bill. But this is not the case. It does a great deal of harm - it distracts attention from the fundamental problems of the Polish energy sector. It distances us from solutions that can effectively stop price increases. In this article - on the basis of adopted assumptions (presented in the annex) we present, among others, what energy prices for households are actually made of.

The end of energy resource imports from Russia?

On February 24, Russia started the Ukrainian war. Nothing will be the same again. Russia's brutal attack made the ongoing conflict around energy resources all the more obvious. In 2021 alone Russia could have earned PLN 500 billion (or $120 billion). from the export of energy resources[1]. This revenue funds the Kremlin's military spending. Now we are considering whether giving up Russian fossil fuels is possible. Undoubtedly, this would be a radical solution with far-reaching and not entirely known consequences. If this were to happen, solidarity and close cooperation within the EU would be more important than ever before. In this article, we analyze what options Poland has to break its energy dependence on Russia.

Ukraine's Power System: Peace and War

On 16 March, Ukraine was synchronised with the electricity grid of continental Europe, bidding a permanent farewell to the systems of Russia and Belarus. The connection took place in an urgent and emergency procedure. This is an important step towards sustainable cooperation with the European Union. But today, in Ukraine, there is first and foremost a warfare, as well as an energy war, which is no less important for the lives of the civilian population of Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

Is the Kremlin turning off the gas tap? Time to exclude gas and coal from households

How to prepare households for an energy war with Russia? Gazprom is suspending gas supplies to Poland under the Yamal contract. This is no great surprise. At the end of this year, Poland was going to give up buying Russian gas anyway. Physically, there is unlikely to be a shortage of gas, but Poland is entering a period of high prices, which will limit the use of this raw material. The role of the state should be to wisely support society in smoothly passing through the crisis. Without reducing demand in sectors where it is possible, this will be difficult.

Ukraine’s Preparations for a Wartime Winter

Ukraine has prepared relatively well for the heating season, despite the Russian invasion and subsequent war, which has been ongoing for more than six months. The accumulated stocks of coal and gas are likely to be sufficient to ensure heat and electricity supply. The decline in demand for electric power due to reduced economic activity during the war is greater than the lost generation potential, enabling Ukraine to export electricity to the EU. The biggest challenge will be to secure heating if the Russian shelling of CHP plants intensifies. This could cause a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine and increase the number of refugees.  

Conclusions from the 7th capacity market auction - cleaner, but adequacy remains a challenge

The results of the seventh auction in the Polish capacity market clearly show the dilemma Poland has faced - existing high-carbon (coal) capacity can no longer be supported with this mechanism, while gas is risky due to the geopolitical situation. Although Polish energy companies have not completely abandoned gas projects, fewer appeared in the auction than previously announced. There is also clearly a greater variety of technologies than before - for the first time, contracts were granted to storage.  The market is still expensive - for the second year in a row auctions ended in the first round and at the maximum price.

Billions of Euros for LNG and LPG still flowing from the EU to Russia

The EU embargo on Russian fuels did not extend to natural gas (including LNG, liquefied natural gas) or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). In 2022 alone, EU countries paid as much as 16 billion euros for Russian LNG, a record high. Poland did not import any LNG from Russia, however it is the largest importer of LPG in the entire EU. In 2022, Poland spent about 700 million euros on Russian LPG. In this article, Forum Energii will explain how to close the loopholes in the EU embargo on Russian resources to finally eliminate them from the EU market.

Panel expert meeting | Locational market - an answer to the challenges in the Polish power system?

18.9.2018 CZIiTT, Politechnika Warszawska ul. Rektorska 4, Warszawa

The energy market is undergoing major changes. The most important motivation for reforms is the lack of appropriate price signals to invest in energy and the lack of mechanisms to reward flexibility. Is a locational market an answer to the challenges in the system? Its pros and cons were discussed during the panel of experts on the September 18, 2018. 

Energy Innovation Hub | Zonal and nodal electricity pricing models - comparison

30.8.2018 Forum Energii, ul. Chopina 5A/20, Warszawa

On August 30, 2018, Forum Energii organized the second meeting of the Energy Innovation Hub. The guest of the meeting was prof. Lion Hirth from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin and head of the consulting company NEON, who analyzed the nodal and zonal market models.

Panel of experts | Has the time for natural gas passed?

25.4.2023

Many countries, including Poland, relied on natural gas as a transitional fuel. The energy crisis and the war in Ukraine have changed this perspective. The reduction of the role of natural gas in the Polish power sector is currently under discussion. This is reflected in the announced update of the scenarios contained in the "Energy Policy of Poland until 2040". However, the assessment of the future role of natural gas cannot be without consideration of the sectors that are the biggest consumers of the blue fuel today - industry or households. Can Poland reduce the role of natural gas in the economy? What are the alternatives to this raw material? What is the role of natural gas in the plans for the transformation of the Polish energy sector? During the meeting, Dr Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk, Director of the Power Sector Programme, presented the results of the Forum Energii report "Time for gas has come?", which will be published at the turn of spring and summer this year. The expert panels organised by the Forum Energii are held in a Chatham House format. The meeting organised during the EEC Congress in Katowice was attended by about 15 experts.