Poland Bets on Technology to Lower Emissions

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland would reduce its carbon emission through investments in technology, rather than modifying its energy portfolio.

“We will develop renewable sources of energy, but coal, lignite coal and also shale gas are key. Reducing carbon dioxide emission will be through technologies and not through limiting coal output,” Tusk said on Tuesday. 

Lane Energy Poland, an exploration company controlled by US energy giant ConocoPhillips, announced on August 28 that it has been extracting some 8,000 cubic meters of shale gas per day at a test well in northern Poland since late July.

Polish shale gas industry lost some momentum in the last months, as three international firms left the country in light of disappointing drilling results. 

The government tried to keep shale developments on track in June, pledging to combat barriers like tax and environmental regulations. The prime minister said that he would be “ruthless” with any minister blocking works on a proposed oil and gas regulatory and tax package. 

Poland relies on coal to produce more than 90% of its electricity.