Poland - Energy and power



The main domestic energy sources are coal, lignite, and peat; rivers remain a largely untapped source of power. In 2001, the net installed capacity was 30,559,000 kW. Production in 2000 was 135.2 billion kWh, of which 98.1% was from fossil fuels, 1.5% from hydropower, and less than 1% from other renewable sources. Consumption of electricity in 2000 was 119.3 billion kWh. Although the role of coal as an energy source is generally declining in north-central Europe, as of 1999, about 70% of Poland's primary energy requirement was still fulfilled by coal, followed by oil, natural gas, and hydropower. In 2001 coal accounted for 93% of Poland's primary energy production. However, consumption had declined 22% between 1993 and 2001.

In 2001, Poland produced about 178.9 million tons of coal. Poland's hard coal reserves are concentrated in Upper Silesia, near the border with the Czech Republic. Other major coal basins are located in Lower Silesia and Lublin. Proven coal reserves at the beginning of 2003 amounted to 24.4 billion tons (of which about two-thirds are anthracite and bituminous). A major restructuring of the coal industry was announced in 1998 that will result in the closing of up to 30 of Poland's 53 coal mines and maximize efficiency at the remaining facilities. As part of the restructuring the Polish government formed Kompania Weglowa, Europe's largest coal company, at the beginning of 2003.

At the beginning of 2003 Poland had proven oil reserves of 96.4 million barrels. Production in 2002 was 16,800 barrels per day. Poland has the largest oil refining capacity in north-central Europe, 350,000 barrels per day. With natural gas reserves of 164 billion cu m (5.79 trillion cu ft), Poland produces over one-third of its natural gas needs; production was about 5.5 billion cu m (190 billion cu ft) in 2001.

Poland has been gradually deregulating its power market since 1998. Each year an increasing number of companies are allowed to choose their own electricity provider. By 2006 the sector will be completely open.

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