Energy efficiency has a positive impact on both the economy and the surrounding physical environment. By undertaking various actions aimed at improving energy efficiency, the global community can reduce the overall energy demand, increase energy security and increase business competitiveness.

With respect to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Poland is bound by obligations imposed by the EU, which has obligated its member states to comply with a set of binding directives and decisions aimed at achieving certain levels of reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

Thus, Poland is obliged, among others, to comply with a rule named “Fit for 55,” which requires net emissions to be reduced by at least 55% (compared to 1990) by 2030 and zero emissions to be achieved for all buildings by 2050.

On 30 December 2019, the Minister of State Assets submitted the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030 (NECP) to the European Commission, thus fulfilling the obligation imposed on Poland by the provisions of the Regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) 2018. The NEPC presents assumptions and objectives as well as policies and actions for implementing the five dimensions of the energy union, i.e., energy security; the internal energy market; energy efficiency; decarbonization; and research, innovation, and competitiveness.

The NECP sets the following climate and energy targets for 2030:

• A 7% reduction of greenhouse emissions in non-EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) sectors compared to 2005 levels

• A 21%-23% share of renewable energy sources (RES) in the gross final energy consumption (the 23% target will be achievable if Poland is granted additional EU funding, including for a fair transition), taking into account the following:
  • A 14% share of RES in transport
  • An annual increase of 1.1 percentage points in the share of RES in heating and cooling

• An increase in energy efficiency by 23% compared to PRIMES2007 projections

• A reduction in the share of coal in electricity production to 56%-60%

The NECP will be adjusted accordingly if necessary due to modification of the objectives or strategic orientations contained in national development policies, draft strategies (e.g., the draft Energy Policy of Poland until 2040) and new EU recommendations on medium- and long-term climate and energy policies (targets for 2030 and 2050).

It is also planned that the technical and building regulations, which implement the provisions of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive into national law, will be amended to make all new buildings nearly zero-energy buildings.