CCS-Technology in Poland

As the economic upswing of Poland strongly depends on a coal-based energy economy, the country is one of Europe’s largest CO2 emitters. At the same time, as a member of the EU, Poland has made m concrete climate protection commitments and must considerably reduce its CO2 emissions within the next years. At this point CCS technology could provide a way, for a transitional period, to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions, without slowing economic growth in the country.

In this study, the economic, geological, political, legal, financial and social conditions in Poland were analysed to assess the importance of CCS technology for low-emission energy production in Poland. The focus of this work is the empirical study of the public debate, based on a media analysis and stakeholder interviews to derive relevant social factors that influence the establishment of CCS technology in Poland.

The analysis shows that there are important prerequisites for the establishment of CCS technology in Poland, and in this way economic growth and the need for climate protection could be connected. However, the high cost of CCS technology, difficulties in the implementation of the CCS Directive and the lack of communication with the society impede the introduction of this technology in Poland. Despite the initial positive expectations of government and industry stakeholders must note that the CCS technology currently has no importance for low-emission energy supply in Poland.