Abstract
The present paper indicates that hydropower, including small hydropower plants (SHPs), may play a very important role in Poland’s energy transformation in the near future. The development of SHPs may also increase water resources in the steppe Poland. Additionally, the aim of the present research is to conduct the PEST analysis of SHPs in Poland, taking into account the SHP potential. For the first time, maps showing the power and location of potential SHPs on the existing dams in Poland are presented. SHPs should be an important element of energy transition in Poland, especially on a local scale—it is stable energy production. Our analysis shows that there are 16,185 such dams in Poland, while the total capacity of potential hydropower plants in Poland would be 523.6 MW, and the total number of new jobs is estimated at 524. It was calculated that the annual avoided carbon dioxide emissions will amount to 4.4 million tons, which will reduce Poland’s emissions by 1.4%. The construction of SHPs can bring significant environmental and economic benefits. As far as the PEST analysis is concerned, the political environment of SHPs in Poland can be described as unfavorable (2.86 points). The economical nature of PEST analysis (3.86 points) should be considered as friendly for the development of SHPs. The social nature of PEST analysis can be considered as neutral (3.36 points). The technological nature of the PEST analysis can be considered as neutral (3.21 points).
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilWater plays many important functions in the natural environment
The circulation of matter and water in the catchments is faster than it was many years ago, which increases the frequency of droughts and floods
The present paper indicates that hydropower, including SHPs, may play an important role in Poland’s energy transformation in the near future
Summary
Water plays many important functions in the natural environment. It is indispensable in agricultural production because it affects the quantity and quality of crops. The unification of natural habitats, the intensification of agriculture as well as urbanization and the construction of drainage systems have caused changes in the soil cover, which means that less water is retained in the catchments than in the past [1,2]. When the natural water retention capacity of a catchment area decreases, natural “pathways” for the rapid drainage of rainwater and snowmelt are created. These phenomena intensify during rapid precipitation and during the intense melting of snow.
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