Energy and environment policy in Poland: Various aspects in the context of shale gas extraction

Abstract

This article outlines the social approach of meeting the challenges of energy policy in Poland in the context of potential shale gas extraction, focused on social perception and environmental protection policy. While Poland holds promising shale gas resources, the state of current technology indicates that shale gas exploitation is not imminent. However, shale deposits are still considered a potential future resource that could play a central role in diversifying energy sources, developing the economy, and potentially increasing the country’s energy security. This paper presents energy opportunities of Poland, a review of Polish society opinion about energy and environment security. This study shows that Polish society sees a connection between energy, environment and policy problems, as well as potential benefits in the context of shale gas, based on research results of various institutions, including the European Commission. The author draws attention to tasks before the economic exploitation of shale gas in order to optimizing socio-economic benefits, and short- and long-term impacts. Since we are a common Europe, a common space for people, we can create an energy policy. It is the way the topic of energy diversification opportunities in Poland and the building of consistent energy and environmental protection policy is still an important issue to discuss in humanistic and economic fields.