COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Poland Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union
Date: 2015-11-18
Institutions: European Commission, Secretariat-General
Subjects: Poland, competitiveness, economic and social cohesion, electrical energy, energy policy, gas, innovation, reduction of gas emissions, regional cooperation, single market

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 18.11.2015  SWD(2015) 234 final   COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Factsheet Poland Accompanying the document COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS AND THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK State of the Energy Union  {COM(2015) 572} {SWD(2015) 208 à 209} {SWD(2015) 217 à 233} {SWD(2015) 235 à 243}  
 
 
Towards an Energy Union  
         Poland  

Macroeconomic relevance of energy 

IMPORTANCE OF THE ENERGY SECTOR 

At 3.6% of total gross value added in 2012, value added of the energy sector in Poland is considerably 
higher  than  the  EU  average,  and  has  increased  from  3.1%  in  2005.  In  parallel,  the  share  of 
employment  in  the  energy  sector  in  total  employment  has  decreased  importantly  (from  1.3%  to 
1.1%) but is still more than double the EU average (0.6% in 2012). 

Source: EUROSTAT – National Accounts 

According to EurObserv'ER, in 2013, the share of 
direct  and  indirect  renewable  energy  related 
the 
employment 
economy  in  Poland  was  at  about  0.22%,  below 
the EU average of 0.53%. 

total  employment  of 

in 

Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EurObserv'ER  and 
EUROSTAT 

TRADE BALANCE OF ENERGY PRODUCTS 

Similarly  to  the  EU  average,  the  energy  trade  balance  of  Poland  is  overall  negative,  with  oil  as  the 
main  driver.  Regarding coal,  Poland  has  been a  net  importer  of  coal  over  the large  majority of  the 
2006-2013 period, although not in the specific years presented in the graph below. Overall, Poland 
experiences a below EU average energy trade deficit (expressed as percentage of GDP).  Decreasing 

0123420052012PLEU27Value added of energy sector% of grossvalue added (total economy)0.00.40.81.21.620052012PLEU27Employment in energy sector% of total employment 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

oil prices and a consequently lower deficit in oil trade have a positive effect on the overall current 
account  balance,  which  in  2014  was  only  slightly  negative  in  Poland  (-1.3%  of  GDP  in  2014,  down 
from -4% in 2006).  

Source: EUROSTAT (COMEXT) 

1. Energy Security, solidarity and trust 

ENERGY MIX 

The energy mix in Poland differs substantially from the one of the EU28, in particular due to a much 
higher share of solid fuels. Compared to 1995, the share of renewable energy increased more than 
the EU average (from less than 4% to 9% of gross inland energy consumption), while the share of gas 
increased by 5 percentage points. The main decrease concerns the use of solid fuels (17 percentage 
points).  

Gross inland energy consumption in 2013  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

IMPORT DEPENDENCY 

Poland  has  an  overall  low  import  dependency,  although  increasing,  mostly  due  to  the  presence  of 
national  sources  of  solid  fuels.  The  overall  increase  is  mostly  due  to  lower  exports  of  hard  coal. 
However, import dependency is high for crude oil, and also above EU average as regards gas. Poland 
imports  a  significant  share  of  its  crude  oil  and  gas  needs  from  Russia1,  i.e.  about  95%  and  64%, 

1  

Top non-EU gas suppliers table is based on EUROSTAT data. The share of imports from non-EU countries is calculated 
as the ratio between volumes of imports from that specific non-EU supplier and total imports  (from EU and non-EU 

2 

-4-3-2-1012PLEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2006 -4-3-2-1012PLEU28% of GDPCoalOilElectricityGasC. A. BalanceTrade balance of energy product and currentaccount balance, 2013  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

respectively,  of  total  imports  in  20132,  which  translates  into  a  relatively  high  country  supplier 
concentration index. However due to the recent investments in gas infrastructure improvements are 
seen  in  this  regard.  Poland  experiences  a  below  EU  average  energy  trade  deficit  (expressed  as 
percentage of GDP).  

Source: European Commission, based on EUROSTAT  

2. A fully-integrated internal energy market 

INTERCONNECTIONS 

in 

transit 

changes 

trade  and 

According  to  the  methodology  proposed  by  the  Commission,  the 
interconnection  level  in  electricity  was  2%  in  2014  for  Poland.  The 
10% by 2020 target will not be reached based on the current policies 
without  meaningful 
rules. 
Implementation  of  a  flow-based  approach  to  capacity  allocation 
should  take  place.  Moreover,  considerable  investments  in  grids 
(build-up  and  modernization)  that  are  undertaken  by  the  Polish 
transmission  system  operator  will  contribute  to  the  optimization  of 
their utilization, creating more room for regional exchange. The new 
Lithuania-Poland  electricity 
interconnection  and  back-to-back 
converter  stations  (LitPol  Link)  was  listed  as  a  key  infrastructure 
project  in  the  European  Energy  Security  Strategy  (EESS)  and  is  an 
important  step  towards  inclusion  of  the  Baltic  States  into  the 
European energy market.  

5 projects out of 33 key security of supply infrastructure projects are 
relevant  for  Poland.    Out  of  these,  the  3  most  important  ones  are: 
the  Poland-Czech  Republic  gas  interconnector  'Stork  II',  allowing 
Poland to increase import capacities from the Western European gas 
market  or  ship  gas  (including  from  the  new  LNG  terminal  in 
Świnoujście at the Germany-Poland maritime border) to its southern 
neighbours;  Poland  –  Slovakia  cross-border  gas  pipeline  which  will 

Source: European Commission based on 
ENTSO-E scenario outlook and 
adequacy forecast 2014 
Note:  Reference  to  2030  target  is 
based  on  October  2014  European 
Council  conclusions  stating  that 
"the  Commission  will  also  report 
regularly  to  the  European  Council 
with  the  objective  of  arriving  at  a 
15% target by 2030" 

countries). For Poland in particular, there is a very high share of gas imports declared as 'not-specified' which seems to 
include most of gas imports from Russia.  
Figures based on Eurostat (2014 figures might differ). 

2  

3 

Top non-EU gas suppliers in 2013 (% in total imports)PolandEuropean Union country[%]country[%]Not specified77.1Russia39.0Norway29.5Algeria9.7Qatar6.717%26%97%91%70%74%52%53%82%87%57%65%200520132005201320052013All fuelsPetroleum andproductsNatural gasPLEU28Import dependency 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

connect  the  Polish  and  Slovak  transmission  systems,  and  Poland  – 
Lithuania  gas  interconnector  'GIPL',  which  is  critical  to  end  the  gas 
isolation  of  the  Baltic  States.  All  existing  gas  interconnections  with 
other Member States  play a crucial role in  guaranteeing the energy 
security  of  Poland  in  case  of  a  crisis.  Maintaining  undisrupted 
supplies from neighbouring, especially the German, gas markets is a 
prerequisite  for  the  stable  operation  of  the  national  grid  and  for 
supplies  to  vulnerable  consumers  during  potential  disruptions. 
the  Polish-German 
Availability  of 
interconnection  points  should  therefore  be  ensured  permanently 
and 
internal  German  grid  management 
solutions. 

transmission  capacity  on 

independently 

from 

ELECTRICITY AND GAS MARKETS 

Market concentration index for power generation (left) 
and gas supply (right) (2013) (Herfindahl index – 10000 
means monopoly) 

Sources:ESTAT and European Commission Calculations 

Sources: European Commission based on ESTAT, CEER and Platts 
Power Vision 

Concentration on the power generation market has recently decreased and can now be considered 
as quite low. Wholesale electricity prices are above EU average while the ones for gas are below.  
The  wholesale  gas  supply  market  remains  concentrated,  in  line  with  EU  average.  150  enterprises 
have been granted gas trade licences until now, but retail price regulation is preventing market entry 
of competitors in the gas market, although market conditions are improving. The Energy Regulatory 
Office  granted  exemptions  from  the  price  regulation  for  segments  of  the  gas  market,  where 
competition is developing. However these measures have not proven so far to be sufficient to boost 
competition on the market and change the current market structure. Historical reasons, such as long 
term contracts with suppliers from third countries, also affect the potential for competition.  
Household retail prices for electricity and gas are below the EU  average. Consumer satisfaction for 
electricity and gas3 is slightly below and above average EU level respectively, and has been improving 
since 2012. 

CONTRIBUTION OF ENERGY TO CONSUMER PRICE EVOLUTION 

Inflation of consumer prices has decreased importantly in Poland between 2011 and 2014 (from 
3.9%  to  0.1%)  which  represents  a  faster  decline  than  the  EU  average  (from  3.1%  to  0.6%).  In 
Poland and in the rest of the EU, oil prices have declined in 2014, driving overall inflation down. 

3  
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/consumer_evidence/consumer_scoreboards/10_edition/index_en.htm 

10th Consumer Markets Scoreboard (June 2014),   

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

Source: DG ECFIN based on Eurostat 

VULNERABLE CONSUMERS 

Based  on  a  EUROSTAT  survey  on  income  and 
living  conditions,  three  proxy  indicators  are 
used  to  assess  fuel  poverty  in  the  EU.  This 
issue  in  Poland  is  in  line  with  EU  average. 
Arrears on utility bills are more frequent than 
for  the  EU  average.  Consumers  with  financial 
difficulties may apply for energy allowances. 

 Source: European Commission, based on on EUROSTAT SILC survey 

3. Energy Efficiency and moderation of energy demand 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET 2020  
(96.4 Mtoe primary energy and 71.6 Mtoe final energy) 

Poland’s  2020  energy  efficiency  target  is 
96.4  Mtoe  expressed  in  primary  energy 
consumption (71.6 Mtoe expressed in final 
energy  consumption).  When  comparing 
the  trend  of  primary  energy  consumption 
with  the  GDP  development  over  the  past 
decades,  it  can  be  seen  that  there  is 
evidence  of  a  relatively  strong  decoupling 
of  both.  Even  if  Poland’s  current  primary 
energy consumption (93.2 Mtoe in 2013) is 
below its 2020 target, it could continue its 
current, ambitious efforts regarding energy 
efficiency  to  keep  the  primary  energy 
consumption  at  this  level  or  increase  it 
only  slightly  which  will  be  challenging  in 
light  of  relatively  high  economic  growth 
forecasted for the coming years.  

 Source:  European  Commission,  based  on  EUROSTAT  and  on  national 

energy efficiency targets as declared by the MS under the EED 

5 

-101234520052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsPoland : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices-10123420052007200920112013% increase on a year earlierNon EnergyEnergyAll itemsEU28 : Price evolution & the contribution of energy prices 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

ENERGY INTENSITY 

Primary energy intensity in Poland is significanly above EU average, although it has decreased since 
2005  at  a  faster  pace  than  the  EU  average.  A  high  energy  intensity  reduction  is  recorded  in  the 
industrial sector, i.e. about 41% between 2005 and 2013, and is now getting close to EU average.  
Primary energy intensity of the economy  

Final energy intensity in industry

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT and European 

Commission/AMECO 

Source:  European  Commission  based  on 
European Commission/AMECO 

  EUROSTAT  and 

Specific  energy  consumption  by  households  is  above  EU  average  and  decreased  at  a  slightly  lower 
pace than the EU average. The specific energy intensity of passengers transport decreased between 
2005 and 2010. The specific energy intensity for freight transport is lower than EU average.  

Final  energy  consumption  per  m2 
residential sector, climate corrected 

in 

Specific energy intensity for passenger cars and freight transport4  

Source:  PRIMES  model  background  data  and  estimations  based  on  EU 
Commission and EU MS inputs   

Source: European Commission based on  Odyssee 

database 
EU  legislation  sets  mandatory  CO2  emission  reduction  targets  for  new  cars  and  vans.  By  2021,  the 
fleet average to be achieved by all new cars is 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre. For new vans, the fleet 
average is set at 147 g/km by 2020.5 

4  

5  

Statistics  on  energy  demand  for  passengers  and  freight  transport  are  not  available  and  model  estimates  have  been 
used instead. These issues should be borne in mind when comparing energy intensity in freight or passenger transport 
between Member States, which should be regarded as merely indicative. 
Source 
http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/vehicles/cars/index_en.htm 
http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/vehicles/vans/index_en.htm.  

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/monitoring-co2-emissions-from-passenger, 
and 

data: 

the 

of 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

Source: European Environmental Agency. 2014 values are provisional. 2013 EU average refers to EU-27. 

Regarding transport performance, in EU-28 the inland freight modal shares are 71% by road, 17% by 
rail, 7% by inland waterways and 5% by pipelines. The respective inland passenger modal shares are 
82% by private car, 9% by buses and coaches, 7% by railways and 2% by tram and metro. Compared 
to  the  European  average,  there  is  a  higher  use  of  public  passenger  transport,  especially  buses  and 
coaches. 

Modal shares Poland 

Source: Eurostat and EU transport in figures 2015. Data refers to 2013. Modal shares based on tonne-kilometres for freight sector and 
passenger-kilometres for passenger sector, freight data based on activity within country territory. Estimates are made when data is missing. 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

4. Decarbonisation of the economy 

NON-ETS GHG EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2020  
(+14% by 2020 as compared to 2005 in the non-ETS sector) 

Source: European Commission  based on EEA. Based on preliminary inventory 
data. 

ESD  (Effort  Sharing  Decision)  emissions  are  the  emissions  from  sectors  not 

covered by the EU ETS. 

Poland can increase its GHG emissions in 
such  sectors  by  no  more  than  14% 
between 2005 and 2020.  
According 
its  2015  projections, 
to 
Poland  is  expected  to  reach  its  2020 
target  with  a  margin  of  almost  8%  as 
compared  to  2005.  Between  2005  and 
2014  (approximated  data)  Poland  has 
increased  its  emissions  by  8%  (against 
10%  target),  therefore  overachieving 
their target by 2 percentage points. 

Non-ETS 
Emissions (vs. 
2005) 

Projections 
with existing 
measures 2020 

Proxy 2014 

Projections/proxy 

target 

+6% 

+8% 

+14% 

+10% 

RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE TARGET 2020 (15%) 

Poland is currently on track to meet its 15% 
target  in  2020,  with  a  renewable  energy 
share of 11.3% in 2013.  
In  comparison  to  its  National  Renewable 
Action Plan (NREAP), Poland is in line with its 
indicative  trajectory  for  renewable  heating 
and  cooling  sector.  However  shares  of 
renewable  electricity  and  transport  are 
below values envisaged by NREAP. 
Therefore  additional  effort  is  needed  to 
ensure that the 2020 target is actually met.  

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INDICATORS 

  Due to its energy mix, carbon intensity of the Polish economy is the third highest in the EU.  
 

In  2014  the  auctioning  of  EU  ETS  allowances  generated  an  important  source  of  revenues, 
amounting  to  EUR  78  million.  Half  of  these  revenues  are  used  for  domestic  climate  and 
energy-related purposes. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

Largest Sectors of GHG 
Emissions in 2012(*) 

Energy/power industry  

Transport 

Industry  

Agriculture (incl. forestry & 
fishery) 

Residential & Commercial 

Waste & others 

Poland 

EU 
Average 

46% 

12% 

15% 

12% 

11% 

4% 

33% 

20% 

19% 

12% 

13% 

3% 

Poland 

78 

EU 

3205 

52% 

42% 

10.4 

8.5 

1012 

328 

GHG Emissions 

EU ETS auctioning 
revenues in 2014 
(EUR millions) 

Share of ETS 
emissions in 2013 

GHG 
emissions/capita in 
2013 
(tCO2equivalent) 
Carbon intensity of 
the economy in 2013 
(tCO2equivalent/(EUR 
millions) 

Source: European Commission  based on EEA 

(*)Sectoral breakdown for 2013 data not available. 

ENERGY &TRANSPORT TAXATION 

Energy  and  transport related  taxes  as  a  share  of  GDP  is  very  close  but slightly higher  than  the  EU-
average.  Poland  has  a  relatively  high  tax  burden  on  transport  fuels,  while  taxation  on  transport 
vehicles  and  heat  and  electricity  are  below  average.  The  overall  tax  burden  has  slightly  decreased 
since 2005, but the relative importance of transport fuel taxation has strengthened further. 

The current design of environmental taxes does not provide a coherent set of incentives for efficient 
energy  use  and  for  reducing  greenhouse  gas  emissions.  Environmental  taxes  in  Poland  are  not 
automatically indexed and despite the trend in the EU, vehicle taxation in Poland is not based on CO2 
emissions. 

Source: Eurostat 

5. Research, innovation and competitiveness 

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 

Poland  is  above  the  EU  average  and  the  US,  but  below  Japan  and  South  Korea  in  terms  of  public 
support share allocated to research and innovation in the field of sustainable energy, low-carbon and 
environment. In terms of intensity of low-carbon technologies patents, Poland is much behind the EU 
average and main worldwide partners. 

9 

0.01.02.03.0PLEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2005TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity0.01.02.03.0PLEU-28Energy & Transport related taxes % of GDP, 2012TransportvehiclesTransport fuelHeat &Electricity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

Source: European Commission based on  EUROSTAT   

COMPETITIVENESS 

Real unit energy costs (% of value added) 

The  real  unit  energy  costs6 
in  Poland 
increased since 2000, and are now well above 
the  EU  average  and  the  US.  This  is  likely  to 
reflect improvements of the energy intensity7 
of the manufacturing sector as well as higher 
real energy prices. 

Median  electricity  prices  paid  by  industrial 
customers  remain  however  lower  than  EU 
and OECD averages. 

Source: European Commission 

Source: European Commission based on EUROSTAT and IEA 

6. Post-2020 Energy and Climate policy Strategy  

COMPREHENSIVE MEDIUM TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY (post-2020) 
FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY  

  The 2009 "Energy Policy of Poland until 2030" (EPP) outlines Poland's energy policy approach 
until 2030. The government is currently redrafting the Energy Policy in order to incorporate 
the 2050 time horizon. 

6  
7  

This indicator measures the amount of money spent on energy sources needed to obtain one unit of value added. 
The  energy  intensity  presented  here  is  derived  from  Use  Tables  of  WIOD,  see  "Energy  Economic  Developments  in 
Europe SWD(2014)19". 

10 

17.89.58.217.213.28.823.413.78.00510152025PLEU27US200020092011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                 
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

 

  The EPP has the overall objective of reducing GHG emissions, although it does not set specific 
targets for 2030. According to the EPP, CO2 intensity of electricity generation is expected to 
decrease from the 2007  level of  0.95tCO2/MWh,  to  less  than 0.70tCO2/MWh in  2030.  The 
EPP also sets the general objective of achieving a zero-energy economic growth (i.e. without 
extra demand for primary energy).  
In addition, Polish Nuclear Power Program adopted by the Council of Ministers provides for 
the construction of two nuclear power plants by 2035 with combined capacity of 6 000 MW, 
which will contribute to reducing current emissions from the power sector by approx. 25%.  
  The strategy "Energy Security and the Environment - prospect for 2020" was adopted in April 
2014 by the Council of Ministers. The main goal of the Strategy is to create the conditions for 
the  development  of  a  competitive  and  efficient  energy  sector,  ensuring  sustainable  and 
environment friendly development. 

  No  post-2020  climate-specific  strategy  has  been  established  yet.  Poland  is  currently 
preparing  a  National  Programme  for  Development  of  Low  Emission  Economy  covering 
amongst  other  topics  the  development  of  low-carbon  energy  sources  and  improvement  of 
energy efficiency. 

NATIONAL TARGETS, especially for 2030 

Objective, 2030-2050 

Targets 

Comments 

GHG reduction  
Renewable energy  
Energy 
savings 

Efficiency 

No 
No 
No 

/ 

7. Regional cooperation  

Objective  of  "zero-energy"  economic  growth  and  reducing 
energy intensity to EU-15 level  

Regional  cooperation  requires  development  of  markets,  interconnectors  and  state  interventions  in 
coordination  with  the  neighbouring  countries.  Poland  in  principle  supports  regional  cooperation 
however the potential of such cooperation is not fully exploited by Poland. Poland is active in some 
of  the  Regional  Groups  on  the  regulatory  side  and  prepares  the  infrastructure  projects  which  are 
crucial for its neighbours. Poland is involved in cooperation with Visegrad Group countries (CZ, HU, 
PL and SK) in the field of energy policy, including gas market integration as well as research activities 
in the field of nuclear power (Gen IV rectors).   

The  work  on  the  gas  interconnector  with  Lithuania  'GIPL'  entered  into  pre-investment  phase.  The 
agreement  between  the  operators  and  the  Commission  (through  the  Innovation  &  Networks 
Executive Agency) on the EU financial support for this project was signed on 15 October 2015. GIPL 
constitutes the most important gas interconnector for the East Baltic Sea Region. It will (i) end the 
energy isolation of the Baltic Member States, (ii) allow Baltic States to diversify energy source, routes 
and  counterparts,  (iii) secure  safe  and  reliable  gas  supply in case  of  disruptions  of  gas  supply  from 
Russia, and (iv) increase the competition in regional gas market.  

8. Cohesion policy contribution  

The EU Cohesion policy provides for important investment possibilities to implement energy policy 
objectives in Poland which will be complemented by national public and private co-financing, aiming 
at  optimal  leverage.  It  also  ensures  integrated  territorial  solutions  to  challenges  by  supporting 
capacity  building,  technical  assistance  and  territorial  cooperation,  including  the  Baltic  Sea  Region 
macro-regional strategy in which Poland takes part. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
Towards an Energy Union - Poland 

Internal  energy  market:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  1  300  million  in 
smart energy storage and transmission systems, as well as some EUR 100 million in smart electricity 
distribution  grids  in  Poland.  This  funding  will  be  complemented  by  national  public  and  private  co-
financing,  aiming  at  optimal  leverage.  These  investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around 
543 000 additional users connected to smart grids. 

Energy efficiency: Over 2014-2020, EU Cohesion Policy will invest some EUR 3 290 million in energy 
efficiency  improvements  in  public  and  residential  buildings  and  in  enterprises,  as  well  as  in  high-
efficiency cogeneration and district heating in Poland. A further estimated EUR 13 000 million will be 
invested in supporting the move towards an energy-efficient, decarbonised transport sector. These 
investments  are  expected  to  contribute  to  around  102  000  households  with  improved  energy 
consumption  classification  and  a  decrease  of  around  1  181  502  000  kWh  per  year  of  decreased 
primary  energy  consumption  of  public  buildings,  as  well  as  to  around  10  km  of  new  railway  lines, 
2 210  km of  reconstructed or  upgraded  railway  lines,  190  km of  new  or  improved  tram  and  metro 
lines, and 10 km of new or improved inland waterways.    

Decarbonisation: Overall, the EU Cohesion Policy investments in Poland over 2014-2020 are expected 
to contribute to an estimated annual decrease of GHG of around 4 281 000 tonnes of CO2eq. Over 
2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will  invest  some  EUR  939  million  in  renewable  energy  in  Poland. 
These investments are expected to contribute to around 960 MW of additional capacity of renewable 
energy production. 

Research,  Innovation  and  Competitiveness:  Over  2014-2020,  EU  Cohesion  Policy  will 
invest 
significantly in R&I and in SME competitiveness in Poland. This will be based on one national strategy 
and 16 regional strategies for smart specialisation. For Poland, the national strategy includes a focus 
on the sustainable energy sector in three areas: highly-efficient, low-emission and integrated circuits 
of  manufacturing,  storage,  transmission  and  distribution  of  energy;  smart  and  energy  efficient 
construction;  and  environmentally  friendly  transport  solutions.  Some  of  the  regional  smart 
specialisation  strategies  also  identify  similar  priority  areas  (e.g.  renewable  energy,  low-carbon 
economy,  sustainable  energy,  advanced  construction  materials).  At  this  stage,  at  least  EUR  453 
million  is  foreseen  for  investments  in  R&I  and  adoption  of  low-carbon  technologies  in  Poland,  but 
this might increase further in line with the evolving content of the smart specialisation strategy. 

12