In 2025, the landscape of electricity consumption in Poland shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with this category providing more than two-thirds of the country's electricity. Coal, a major contributor, accounts for just over half of this, while gas contributes to the rest. On the positive side, low-carbon or clean energy sources deliver close to a third of the nation's electricity needs. Wind energy leads the way among these, producing almost 14% of the electricity, followed closely by solar power at about 12%. Hydropower and biofuels make up a relatively minor portion at a little below 2% each.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Poland?
Concerning electricity growth in Poland, the trend appears unfavorable as of 2025. The total electricity consumption per person has decreased from the 2018 record of 4596 kWh to 4151 kWh in 2025, marking a drop of 445 kWh per person. This decline is mirrored in the low-carbon electricity generation, which fell from a recent high of 1304 kWh per person in 2024 to 1228 kWh in 2025, reflecting a worrying decrease of 77 kWh per person. Such reductions could undermine efforts to sustain and expand the country's transition to greener electricity systems and suggest a need for policy and infrastructure improvements to reinvigorate growth in clean electricity to meet future demand.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity share, Poland could focus on expanding both its wind and solar capacities. These areas are already producing significant amounts of energy, and further growth can be inspired by the progress seen in other regions. For instance, Denmark and Iowa serve as exemplary models for Poland with their high wind energy output of around 60%. Additionally, Poland should consider diversifying its clean energy mix by embracing nuclear power, drawing insight from countries like France and Slovakia, which produce the majority of their electricity from nuclear power. Investments in nuclear and solar technology are essential for Poland to ensure a sustainable energy future and to move away from its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, thus mitigating climate impact and air pollution concerns.
History
The history of Poland's low-carbon electricity has seen notable developments over the years. Since 1990, hydropower added approximately 1.7 TWh, marking the initial steps into low-carbon generation. The country has since witnessed significant growth in wind and solar energy, especially during the 2010s and early 2020s. Wind energy grew substantially between 2014 and 2024, while the last few years noted a remarkable surge in solar power, particularly from 2021 onwards, peaking with a 3.7 TWh increase in 2024. Nevertheless, 2025 saw setbacks with significant declines in wind and biofuel generation, stressing the need for renewed focus on and investment in sustainable energy technologies like nuclear and solar to avoid future disruptions in clean electricity progress.