Despite ongoing discussions about the need to decarbonize industries, global coal production and consumption continue to break records, driven primarily by countries like China, India, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, Poland presents a contrasting narrative, with domestic coal production steadily decreasing. However, this decline is primarily due to economic reasons rather than regulatory pressures.
In 1979, Poland’s coal production peaked at 200 million tons, but by 2023, it had plummeted to just under 49 million tons—a drop of over 75% in four decades. Globally, the story is quite different. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global coal production now exceeds 8.8 billion tons, with consumption at 8.3 billion tons, primarily driven by Asian countries.
Despite the decline in domestic production, coal remains a cornerstone of Poland’s energy sector. The Polish government’s Energy Policy anticipates that by 2030, coal will still account for up to 56% of the country’s electricity generation. However, much of this coal may be imported rather than sourced from local mines.
Poland’s position in the European coal landscape is significant. As of 2024, only Poland and the Czech Republic continue to mine coal within the European Union, with Poland responsible for a staggering 93% of the EU’s coal output. This dominance persists despite EU policies aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and increasing renewable energy use.
Poland’s reliance on coal is also reflected in its energy infrastructure. The country consumes approximately 70-80 million tons of coal annually, and by 2030, it is estimated that the energy sector will still require about 55-60 million tons annually. While other EU countries are rapidly decreasing their coal consumption, Poland’s demand remains robust due to existing energy infrastructure and the challenges of quickly transitioning to alternative energy sources.
The high costs of domestic coal production make imported coal a more economical choice for Poland. Deep mining, the predominant method in Poland, is significantly more expensive than surface mining, which is common in countries like the United States and Australia. Consequently, imported coal, despite the logistics costs, often remains cheaper than domestic coal.
Sławomir Wołyniec, CEO of V-Project SA, highlights the efficiency issues: “Mining coal in Poland is expensive. Deep mining will never compete with surface mining. To meet the needs of the Polish market, we import coal from other continents, which, despite high maritime and land logistics costs, often remains a more advantageous option for consumers.”
However, domestic coal production plays a crucial role in ensuring Poland’s energy security, independence, and self-sufficiency. The volatility of global coal prices, as seen in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, underscores the importance of maintaining domestic production capabilities.
While the price of domestic coal has been falling, making it more competitive, the broader trend indicates that Poland will increasingly rely on imported coal unless significant changes are made to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of domestic mining operations.
In summary, Poland’s energy landscape is at a crossroads. The country is committed to transitioning to low-emission or emission-free energy sources, driven by both international obligations and the aging of coal-fired power plants. Nevertheless, coal will remain a vital component of Poland’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, with a significant portion likely sourced from international markets.