After reviewing Poland's energy policies, the International Energy Agency (IEA) concludes the country is on the right path towards a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of the IEA, says his organization's recent assessment of Poland's new energy strategy (EPP 2030) shows the plan will shift the country's energy foundations.  "Timely implementation of the EPP 2030, including its Action Plan for the Years 2009-2012, will provide a sound foundation for a clean, clever and competitive energy future in Poland."

It appears the Polish government will base its new energy foundations largely off natural gas, nuclear power, and carbon capture and storage.

The plan calls for large-scale expansion of the nation's gas sector including constructing a liquefied natural gas terminal, increasing underground storage capacity, expanding the transmission and distribution system, and increasing production and exploration of gas resources.

Saddling up next to the ambitious plan for natural gas expansion, is an equally ambitious plan for nuclear power development.  The government hopes to have three nuclear facilities operational by 2030, with the first being commissioned in 2022.  Tanaka applauded the government's preparation around expanding its nuclear program, in particular its implementation of institutional and legal frameworks for establishing clear regulations and management plan for dealing with radioactive waste.

Occupying numerous, but increasingly depleted, coal reserves, Poland currently receives 90% of its electricity generation and 55% of its energy supply from coal power.  The country's energy plan attempts to reduce this dependence on coal.  Nevertheless, the government has pledged to be a leader in carbon capture and storage technology.  Carbon capture and storage technology has yet to be successfully proven, the IEA recognizes this, but also states it is important to continue research in the area.

Poland's new energy action plan is not particularly revolutionary and largely leaves renewables out of the picture.  However, one area of the plan which does represent a significant shift in policy is the EPP 2030's high objectives for increasing energy efficiency. 

The IEA identifies energy efficiency as the most important tool in reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change.  According to the IEA, Poland needs to develop a more focused efficiency targets around a well-defined delivery plan.  In particular, the IEA recommends focusing on improving energy efficiency in two sectors -- buildings and transportation.