Polish Energy Research Articles

Influence of technological improvement and adoption rate of biogas industry on greenhouse gas footprint of the energy system of Poland between 2000 and 2100

Biogas industry has complex value chain which increases its life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint and reduces energy return on invested (ERoI). Therefore, the effect of biogas industry on GHG footprint of energy systems needs to be well understood. This paper investigates the influence of technological improvement and adoption rate of biogas industry on GHG footprint of the Polish energy system by using a scenario analysis from 2000 to 2100. The main findings reveal that today the size of the biogas industry is too small to affect Poland's GHG emissions. However, in the next few decades, along with growing biogas production capacity, this influence might become more pronounced if GHG footprint of biogas industry is successfully reduced.

Specyfika sprawozdawczości spółek giełdowych na przykładzie spółek sektora energetycznego

Artykuł poświęcony jest sprawozdawczości spółek giełdowych. W wyniku zmian wprowadzanych w przepisach jednostki zainteresowania publicznego coraz częściej są zobowiązane ujawniać informacje dotyczące ochrony środowiska naturalnego, spraw społecznych i pracowniczych. Celem pracy jest wykazanie, że zagadnienia istotne dla oceny kondycji finansowej jednostki i perspektyw jej dalszego rozwoju są poruszane nie tylko w granicach sprawozdania finansowego, lecz również poza nim. Analizie poddano raporty roczne największych spółek działających w polskim sektorze energetycznym. W opracowaniu wykorzystano analizę obowiązujących przepisów rachunkowości i metodę analizy przypadków.

Possibilities of Satisfying the Energy Needs of Rural Community Residents with Renewable Energy Sources – the Case of Poland

Abstract The historical, economic and legal conditions of the Polish energy supply system differ from other European countries. The share of renewable energy sources in the overall energy balance is still limited. The main purpose of this study is to investigate whether it is possible to meet the energy needs of the basic unit of the territorial organization in Poland, i.e. a commune, exclusively from renewable sources. The main emphasis was put on the methods of estimating the demand of the inhabitants of a commune for energy and the possibility of producing it in an alternative way. The presented considerations could be used as a support for decision makers on the regional and local level in Poland and other European countries, who face the same challenges in energy supply.

The Polish power industry in energy transformation process

The article presents the present state of the electricity sector and the hard coal mining sector in Poland. Priorities for the future structure of electricity generation have been determined in the context of trends in the EU climate policy. Poland has significant reserves of coal, which will be used to produce electricity in order to secure the country’s energy security and to make use of indigenous resources. Despite the current economic and financial difficulties of mining entities, the government has declared its support for hard coal mining industry. This is due to the fact that enormous investment outlays, exceeding the financial capabilities of the energy sector and the country, would be needed in order to fundamentally change the fuel structure of the sector. Due to the fact that coal-fired power plants, which now account for more than 46% of all power generation capacity, are deeply decapitalized and do not meet the EU emission requirements, the possibility of upgrading the existing units in order to improve their generation efficiency and extend their service life for the next several dozen years is explored. The Polish energy transition towards a low-carbon economy is largely based on energy-saving ideas and efforts to increase the energy efficiency. There has also been a great increase in the production of renewable energy, especially wind power, which, however, is the reason for problems with the stability of power grids and the balance of supply and demand. The development of renewable energy sources used in local energy clusters is the preferred option. The presented scenarios have not yet been confirmed in the official documents of the Polish government. The government faces the task of building the long-term energy policy and energy transformation strategy that should take into account internal and external determinants and priorities. At the same time, it is important to negotiate the path of development that is consistent with the direction of the changes proposed by the European Union and takes into account the capabilities of Poland.

Trends in coal use – global, EU and Poland

That aim of this paper is to compare trends in global, European use of coal with tendencies in Poland, one of heavy coal dependent countries. Polish power generation is unique among OECD countries, the share of both hard coal and lignite in power generation reaches 81% [1]. Climate policy of European Union is to phase out intensive greenhouse gases sectors, thus to transform Polish power generation into less carbon intensive. Although such policy is generally accepted in Poland, the paste and practically proposed regulation that excludes coal generation from capacity mechanisms, is considered as threat to energy security. Coal is the base for generation for one simple reason, abundant in European scale hard coal reserves and significant capacities in lignite. Natural gas reserves allow to supply about 1/3 of consumption, but prices and supplies dependent hitherto on contracts with GAZPROM did not allow to develop significant generation capacities. Renewable resources are limited, there is not much possibilities for hydro, wind and solar. Poland is also one of the countries of poor air quality, traditional coal based space heating systems plus obsolete car fleet generate vast emissions, especially during the winter. Only recently this became top priority of environmental authorities. This situation is subject to transformation, government, managers are aware that the role of coal needs to be decreased, but there are two main questions, the paste of transformation and the future energy mix. The paper attempts to answer the question whether the expected changes in Polish energy mix are comparable or differ from the global and European tendencies.

Importance of hard coal in electricity generation in Poland

Polish energy sector is facing a number of challenges, in particular as regards the reconstruction of production potential, diversification of energy sources, environmental issues, adequate fuels supplies and other. Mandatory implementation of Europe 2020 strategy in terms of “3x20” targets (20% reduction of greenhouse gases, 20% of energy from renewable sources, and 20% increase of efficiency in energy production) requires fast decision, which have to be coordinated with energetic safety issues, increasing demands for electric energy, and other factors. In Poland almost 80% of power is installed in coal fired power plants and energy from hard coals is relatively less expensive than from other sources, especially renewable. The most of renewable energy sources power plants are unable to generate power in amounts which can be competitive with coal fires power stations and are highly expensive, what leads o high prices of electric energy. Alternatively, new generation of coal fired coal power plants is able to significantly increase efficiency, reduce carbon dioxide emission, and generate less expensive electric power in amounts adequate to the demands of a country.

Economic dimension of Polish energy security

Research background: Stable and reliable access to a variety of energy carriers is undoubtedly a basis for the development of any economy. Therefore, the primary condition for the security of the state and its citizens is to ensure the essential minimum of energy on its territory. We can observe, however, an increasing dependence of the Polish energy sector on external sources.
 Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to examine and evaluate the economic aspects of the Polish energy security considering the fact of growing de-pendency on foreign supplies of energy carriers.
 Methods: In this paper we analyze the Polish energy security using several indicators: fuel/price efficiency ratio, energy intensity of the economy and Herfindahl-Hirschman rate of market concentration. For calculations we use statistical data provided by Energy Market Agency publications, including ?Energy Situation in Poland? covering the years of 2000? 2015.
 Findings & value added: On the one hand, the Polish energy security depends on its internal conditions and resources - in this context, the available resources of coal and lignite play an extremely positive role because they provide access to a reliable source of energy. On the other hand, Poland is becoming dependent on external commitments that restrict the free use of domestic resources, thus lowering the energy security of the country, speaking in particular of oil and natural gas resources. The analysis carried out in this paper will allow to evaluate the effectiveness of using various energy carriers with respect to their price, market structure and geopolitical conditions.

Governing energy while neglecting health – The case of Poland

The present article discusses Poland’s continued reliance on coal power and the consequent impacts on public health. Concrete aspects of the energy infrastructure and political priorities are shown to compromise as compromising public governance and leading to deteriorated health standards among the general population. To make this case, this study juxtaposes the most recent developments in the Polish energy sector with current measures in EU energy policy and reforms in other EU Member States. Special attention is paid to developments in Poland following the political shift in October 2015, when a new government came to power. The ruling conservative party’s direct involvement in the management of the mining and utility companies and its strong political ties to miners’ unions are particularly discussed. Theoretically, the article relies on the TAPIC framework for governance. The framework rests on five integral principles of good governance: Transparency, Accountability, Participation, Integrity and Capacity; TAPIC allows scholars to study the impact of governance on public health in any policy area. Methodologically, this study relies on secondary sources, including academic publications, national and international reports, and statistical data on a range of energy and health factors in Poland and Europe.

Clusters in the Renewable Energy Sector in Poland

The paper is a review work, which presents the problem of a renewable energy in Poland supplemented with a case study. To reduce gas emission and to improve energy efficiency the European Union’s Member States are obliged to obtain more energy from renewable sources. Our goal is to test how cluster may help in achieving the provisions of 3 x 20% package. The case study of Baltic Eco-Energy Cluster is presented as a successful example of the biggest energy cluster in the country, which can be treated as a benchmark for other sector clusters that are willing to contribute positively to changes in Polish energy sector.

Polityka energetyczna Polski: główne problemy i prognozy

The objective scope of this analysis is focused on selected problems of the Polish energy policy. The text addresses three groups of issues connected with Polish energy policy: (1) institutional and legal matters, (2) forecasting, and (3) problems. In the first case, attention is given to the statutory solutions with regard to the goals, tasks, the model and the elements of the energy policy, as well as to the responsibility of different entities for its implementation. In the second case, scenarios for the development of the energy policy are presented; they are also subjected to a brief comparative analysis. In the third case, attention is given to the presentation of the following issues: (1) energy dependence, (2) energy monoculture, (3) the level of development of renewable energy sources, (4) emissions performance, and (5) energy efficiency. In order for the research problem to be elaborated, the text features the following research questions: (1) to what extent do institutional and legal solutions affect the effectiveness of the energy policy pursued in Poland?; (2) which scenario for the development of Polish energy policy should be deemed most likely?; (3) which problem issues singled out in the analysis should be regarded as the greatest challenge to the Polish energy policy?

Experimental and economic study of small-scale CHP installation equipped with downdraft gasifier and internal combustion engine

This paper concerns the experimental and numerical analysis of a combined heat and power (CHP) installation equipped with a biomass downdraft gasifier, gas purification system and gas piston engine. The numerical studies were aimed at identifying waste heat in the CHP installation for further utilisation. In turn, a new innovative method of heat recovery inside the gasifier was proposed and subsequently applied in the experimental CHP installation. The newly developed facility is able to produce up to 75kWe of electrical power. An extensive parametric study was performed under the steady and unsteady facility operation and was supplemented by economic analysis of the process. The main objective of the study was to examine the possibility of sewage sludge gasification and the impact of produced syngas quality on gas engine performance. During the investigation a number of different types of biomass were investigated including wood pellets, sewage sludge and their blends. The results showed a stable operation of the CHP facility in terms of produced syngas load, calorific value and content – even when dried sewage sludge was used alone. Results indicate that a 40/60% blend of wood pellets with sewage sludge is recommended, which allowed the lower heating value (LHV) of 4.45MJ/Nm3. Additionally, it was confirmed that the fixed bed gasifier is able to self-adjust to temporary changes in gasifier agent load.The economic analysis was performed taking into account policies and regulations in the Polish energy market sector. The study showed that it is more profitable to use the generated electricity and heat for its self-consumption rather than selling it on the market. Even with the supporting policies the payback time is not less than about eight years. Taking into account calorific value and limited local biomass availability, it seems justified that the described CHP installation is suitable for decentralised power generation such as small farms or horticultural businesses, where the produced electricity and heat can be sufficiently utilised. This technology also contributes to reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, which is one of the most problematic issues for energy sector today.

Conceptual design of multi-source CCS pipeline transportation network for Polish energy sector

The aim of this study was to identify an optimal CCS transport infrastructure for Polish energy sector in regards of selected European Commission Energy Roadmap 2050 scenario. The work covers identification of the offshore storage site location, CO 2 pipeline network design and sizing for deployment at a national scale along with CAPEX analysis. It was conducted for the worst-case scenario, wherein the power plants operate under full-load conditions. The input data for the evaluation of CO 2 flow rates (flue gas composition) were taken from the selected cogeneration plant with the maximum electric capacity of 620 MW and the results were extrapolated from these data given the power outputs of the remaining units. A graph search algorithm was employed to estimate pipeline infrastructure costs to transport 95 MT of CO 2 annually, which amount to about 612.6 M€. Additional pipeline infrastructure costs will have to be incurred after 9 years of operation of the system due to limited storage site capacity. The results show that CAPEX estimates for CO 2 pipeline infrastructure cannot be relied on natural gas infrastructure data, since both systems exhibit differences in pipe wall thickness that affects material cost.

Method selection for mercury removal from hard coal

Mercury is commonly found in coal and the coal utilization processes constitute one of the main sources of mercury emission to the environment. This issue is particularly important for Poland, because the Polish energy production sector is based on brown and hard coal. The forecasts show that this trend in energy production will continue in the coming years. At the time of the emission limits introduction, methods of reducing the mercury emission will have to be implemented in Poland. Mercury emission can be reduced as a result of using coal with a relatively low mercury content. In the case of the absence of such coals, the methods of mercury removal from coal can be implemented. The currently used and developing methods include the coal cleaning process (both the coal washing and the dry deshaling) as well as the thermal pretreatment of coal (mild pyrolysis). The effectiveness of these methods various for different coals, which is caused by the diversity of coal origin, various characteristics of coal and, especially, by the various modes of mercury occurrence in coal. It should be mentioned that the coal cleaning process allows for the removal of mercury occurring in mineral matter, mainly in pyrite. The thermal pretreatment of coal allows for the removal of mercury occurring in organic matter as well as in the inorganic constituents characterized by a low temperature of mercury release. In this paper, the guidelines for the selection of mercury removal method from hard coal were presented. The guidelines were developed taking into consideration: the effectiveness of mercury removal from coal in the process of coal cleaning and thermal pretreatment, the synergy effect resulting from the combination of these processes, the direction of coal utilization as well as the influence of these processes on coal properties.

Concept of large scale PV-WT-PSH energy sources coupled with the national power system

Intermittent/non-dispatchable energy sources are characterized by a significant variation of their energy yield over time. In majority of cases their role in energy systems is marginalized. However, even in Poland which is strongly dedicated to its hard and brown coal fired power plants, the wind generation in terms of installed capacity starts to play a significant role. This paper briefly introduces a concept of wind (WT) and solar (PV) powered pumped storage hydroelectricity (PSH) which seems to be a viable option for solving the problem of the variable nature of PV and WT generation. Additionally we summarize the results of our so far conducted research on the integration of variable renewable energy sources (VRES) to the energy systems and present conclusions which strictly refer to the prospects of large scale PV-WT-PSH operating as a part of the polish energy system.

Near future of Polish energy system – COP21 and BAT conclusions

Next years will be very important for the development of the Polish energy system. Substantial part of the existing capacities are obsolete and need to be replaced or at least deeply modernised to fulfil expected emissions regulations. A hybrid of TIMES-PL and TIMES-MACRO energy-economic models was used to analyse the possible changes in the power generation mix and economic impact of different scenarios that combine the climate and air pollution regulations. The results show that to maintain the CO2 emission reduction trend a combination of measures is needed including the use of renewables, nuclear, natural gas and clean coal technologies. However, such transition in the energy sector will lead to a cumulative GDP loss in the near future once the possible GDP gains could happen after 2045 in which the economic, technical and legislative conditions are very difficult to foresee.

Cogeneration – development and prospect in Polish energy sector

Next 10-15 years are crucial for condition of Polish energy sector in light of challenges arising mainly from increasing demand for electric energy, need of reducing greenhouse gases emissions and shutdowns of old units. In this situation cogeneration can be one of the most rational way to meet those circumstances. This paper analyzes present development of cogeneration in Poland and its prospect for future.

Present condition and prospects for Polish coal mining

Coal is the basis of energy production in Poland. Its production, however, has been steadily decreasing. Falling prices on world markets, which make their extraction in Poland, continues to pay off. You can not forget, however, that the country's energy security is based on this raw material all the time. Actions should be taken to limit the cost of extraction. It is necessary to start to use advanced technologies in coal combustion process and be aware of its other applications. With this in mind it is necessary not only to lead efforts to liquidate mines, but also to take corrective actions. Nowadays, coal mining is experiencing a setback. However, the resources that are in Poland do not allow you to abandon this energy source. In the coming years we can expect an increase in demand for coal. Polish power industry in the coming decades will be based, as at present, on carbon. In line with the Polish Energy Policy until 2050 Poland should strive for energy independence and therefore the indigenous resources of coal and lignite will stabilize country's energy security. Consumption of coal will remain at current levels, due to improvements in the efficiency of new generation units. Therefore, the aim of the suggested actions should be providing both the security of energy and the rational use of available resources of coal. Key words: coal, energy, Polish mining.

Post-Communist Poland and the European Union: Energy Policy and Relations with Russia

Abstract In the past two decades Europe as a whole has undergone a transformation, and Poland has been an integral part of these changes. Poland has transitioned from a communist nation to a democratic European Union (EU) member. This transition was not without trials, but through this history Poland has established itself as a significant international actor. This article aims to analyze post-communist Poland, within its membership in both the EU and the Visegrád Group, and the effects these relationships have on Polish and EU energy policy, as well as Russian-EU energy policy.

Energy governance and compliance with the EU regulations in Poland prior to the adoption of the 2030 Energy and Climate Framework

The article analyses the most important problems related to governance of the Polish energy sector prior to the adoption of the 2030 EU Climate and Energy Policy Framework. The document was to introduce major changes in the Polish energy mix due to restrictions placed upon the emissions of the CO2 and requirements related to the renewable sources of energy. The paper argues that in fact this overshadowed the pre-existing management problems of the Polish energy sector, in many aspects more serious than the provisions of the Framework itself.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KEYWORDS IN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE CORPORATE PRESS RELEASES FROM EUROPEAN COMPANIES: INSIGHTS INTO DISCURSIVE PRACTICES

This study provides insights into discursive practices through a comparative study of keywords in English-language press releases from British, Spanish and Polish energy companies. Even though corporate press releases have been extensively researched, there is a lack of cross-cultural and corpus-based studies in this fi eld. In the present research three corpora of approximately 120,000 words each, containing English-language press releases from British, Spanish and Polish energy companies, were used. The keywords were identifi ed with the Wmatrix tool (Rayson 2009) and the reference corpus consisted of business periodical articles. The analysis of corpus keywords usually provides insights that would be diffi cult to gain by means of manual analyses of texts or qualitative approaches. The results obtained in this study show notable diff erences between the corpora with regard to the keywords identifi ed. The use of more general meaning keywords by British companies or more technical keywords by Polish companies suggest that lexical choices might be indicative of diff erent discursive practices used to reach stakeholders and the general public.