Energy in Poland : Between Russian and EU Markets

Polish energy policy is entering the limelight more and more today.

Its original prospective role of gas conduit between Russia and Europe has faded in recent years since the construction of the Yamal pipeline.

Nevertheless, Poland exemplifies a European country with good prospects to diversify its supplies, starting from a strong indigenous base, coal.

Poland lies on the border of two electricity systems, but plans to connect Poland and Lithuania have yet to proceed beyond initial memoranda.

Poland has taken the global climate change agenda very seriously and has prepared its institutions well.

These factors show the key position which Poland occupies in the politics of the EU, Russian energy trade, and thus, in the politics of European energy security.This report describes the sector and maps out some of Poland's existing energy options.

It points to the key parameters which will steer Polish and neighbouring country decisions in the near future.

It sets these in the important context of local political trends.

The critical nature of Poland's relations with Russia will be reviewed and the prospects for improvements analysed.