Search Results (427)

This article examines the current state of renewable energy sources (RES) in the Visegrad Four (V4) countries in the context of historical developments and the influence of national policies. The primary aim of this study is to compare progress, challenges, and opportunities in RES development across the V4 countries between 2014 and 2022, using standardised per capita indicators and combining political and technical analyses. Our methodology involves analysing statistical data from Eurostat and the IEA, conducting a qualitative assessment of RES support policies, and performing ANOVA to verify the statistical significance of differences between countries. The findings suggest that countries such as the Czech Republic and Hungary have made significant progress in decarbonising their energy sectors. At the same time, Poland and Slovakia face greater challenges—Slovakia, in particular, due to its greater reliance on biomass and political turbulence. Poland has long lagged in developing RES, mainly due to its strong dependence on coal, but it is now becoming a leader in implementing RES within the V4. The main obstacles to the development of RES include insufficient political and legislative support and administrative barriers that hinder the adoption of new technologies. Another critical factor is public concern about the potential negative impacts of RES on quality of life, which may stem from a lack of information and education in this area, as well as from political intentions. To improve the situation, it is necessary to increase transparency, provide relevant education, and involve local communities in decision-making processes. Ensuring a stable political and legislative framework and adequate financing are key to achieving ambitious renewable energy targets in the region. Full article

Europe, including Poland, is undergoing an energy transition. The use of renewable energy sources (RES) in the national energy sector is increasing significantly, and previously unused areas are increasingly developed for photovoltaic power plants. A specific type of housing common in Eastern European countries opens an additional opportunity for photovoltaic installations without occupying usable ground area. This article aims to analyze the potential for utilizing balconies and loggias in large-panel buildings, which are characteristic of major cities in Poland. Approximately 30% of the population resides in such housing. This presents significant potential for direct use of renewable energy by apartment residents. The article also explores the legal framework for such installations, both as individual investments by apartment owners and as collective initiatives managed by building administrators. The authors analyzed the potential performance of photovoltaic installations under varying azimuths and tilt angles, considering solar irradiation potential. The analyses also encompassed different photovoltaic module technologies, covering a spectrum of photovoltaic technologies, from commonly used monocrystalline panels to advanced transparent BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) solutions. Furthermore, the study quantified the energy potential of such installations and compared the results with existing photovoltaic capacities and electricity demand in Poland. Full article

This manuscript analyzes the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and selected factors for the agricultural sector in the Visegrad Group (V4) countries. The aim of the study was to identify and assess short-term relationships and directions of causality between carbon dioxide emissions, renewable energy consumption, economic openness, labor productivity, and income levels in the agricultural sector of the V4 countries. Short-term ARDL modeling was used for each V4 country, along with Granger causality. The analyses offer a broad perspective on how agricultural practices shape greenhouse gas emissions and provide information to mitigate their environmental impact. Heterogeneous interactions between the studied factors and specific causal relationships were identified in each country. Only in Hungary and Slovakia was a unidirectional causality observed, namely CO₂ → renewable energy (RE) sources, while in Poland and the Czech Republic, no direct causal relationship with emissions was observed. However, these relationships were indirect through income and economic openness. Strong drivers include, in particular, labor productivity, the share of renewable energy, and economic openness. Based on the analyses, decision-makers are recommended to create incentives, including economic ones, to increase the share of renewable energy in agricultural production. This improves economic and environmental outcomes, both locally and nationally. Full article

The European Union’s objective of climate neutrality by 2050 requires a profound transformation of national power systems. In Poland, this transition involves reducing coal-based generation and expanding variable renewable energy sources (VRES), particularly wind and solar. Between 2020 and 2025, onshore wind capacity increased from 5.9 GW to nearly 11 GW, and solar from 1.6 GW to over 22 GW, while peak electricity demand in 2024 exceeded 28 GW. Although VRES- are essential for decarbonization, their variability poses challenges for system adequacy. This study assessed the adequacy contribution of onshore wind and solar power plants using capacity credit as a key indicator. Two approaches were applied: a deterministic Load Duration Curve (LDC) method and probabilistic methods—Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) and Equivalent Firm Capacity (EFC)—based on historical data from 2021–2024. The results show that capacity credits for onshore wind ranged from 8.08% to 17.27%, and for solar from 1.82% to 6.60%, depending on the method and year. Despite the presence of 1.7 GW of pumped storage and 4.4 GW of battery storage contracted in the capacity market, the relatively low VRES capacity credits underline the continued need for flexible, dispatchable generation. The findings highlight the importance of accurate capacity credit estimation to guide investment in renewables, storage, and backup capacity, thereby supporting a secure and reliable energy transition in Poland. Full article

This article analyses the impact of renewable energy sources (RESs) and macroeconomic stability on the sustainable development of the logistics sector in countries in the Visegrad Group (V4) from 2008 to 2023. The study is based on indicators that describe three dimensions of logistics development: economic (ED_L), social (SocD_L), and environmental (EnvD_L), as well as the indicator of renewable energy sources (RE) and macroeconomic stabilisation (M). Lagged regression analyses and SUR models are used to capture both the current and delayed effects of energy and economic policies. The results show that the development of renewable energy has the greatest and most stable impact on logistics development, particularly in Hungary and Slovakia, where it supports the dynamic growth of environmental and social indicators. In Poland, the effect of renewable energy sources is more variable and manifests itself with a delay, reflecting the costs of the energy transition. Macroeconomic stability plays a smaller but still important role, improving investment predictability and the sector’s resilience to crises, although its impact is varied and often manifests over a longer period. This study’s innovation is the simultaneous inclusion of energy and macroeconomic perspectives in logistics analysis, demonstrating that sustainable development of the sector is only possible by simultaneously strengthening both of these pillars. Full article

The current transformation of global energy systems has been the subject of a multi-faceted scientific discourse for years. Researchers focus on technical and technological aspects, seeking new and improved alternatives to current solutions. They also analyse formal and legal frameworks of the changes and evaluate their economic aspects or environmental effects. The public’s attitude towards the changes in light of demanding environmental conditions is investigated the least. In particular, little heed is paid to the opinions of rural populations, especially in Poland. In light of the above, this paper aims to analyse the issue of Poland’s energy transition and the public’s perception of the challenges of environmental protection and the resulting need to improve energy solutions to promote the dissemination of renewable energy sources. The research area was Poland, and detailed research was conducted in five districts (Małopolska region), where the age of the respondents was taken as the differentiating feature. The study was based on a literature review and, at a detailed level, on a diagnostic survey among residents of Wadowicki, Miechowski, Krakowski, Limanowski, and Tarnowski Districts. The 2024 CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) survey involved 300 randomly selected interviewees. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative approach, utilising statistical tools such as Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis, the Kruskal–Wallis rank test, and the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test. The statistical analysis was supported by IBM’s SPSS v.25. The results show that the majority of the population understand and agree with the need for an energy transition in Poland towards renewable energy. Indications of no opinion or in favour of non-renewable energy in the Polish energy system are distinct. This class of indications is determined by the interviewees’ age and suggests potential for improving public awareness of the matter in the group of mature respondents. Full article

Biomass combustion for the production of electricity and heat remains one of the most widespread renewable energy technologies. Biomass is commonly utilized in fluidized bed combustion systems. Over the years, numerous issues related to the preparation and combustion of biomass in fluidized beds have been identified, including fouling and slagging, which involve the formation of deposits. These phenomena can be mitigated through various methods, including design modifications to boilers, the application of additives, and the careful selection and classification of fuel. Several fuel indices have been proposed to predict the behavior of fuels in terms of their tendency to cause fouling and slagging. Most of these indices were developed for fossil fuels, and the discrepancies between them suggest that although these indices are widely applied, their applicability to agricultural residues, such as straw, remains uncertain. Researchers working in this field emphasize the need for further research, particularly focusing on the comparison of developed indices with the results of biomass combustion at both laboratory and industrial scales. In this study, ten assortments of straw sourced from Poland were selected, and chemical composition analyses were conducted to determine selected fuel indices. The analyzed straw samples were then combusted in a 100 kWₜₕ laboratory-scale circulating fluidized bed unit. Using a specialized austenitic steel probe, the growth rate of the deposit was measured. The collected deposit masses for each straw type were then compared with the calculated fuel indices. The best correlation between the interpretation of the index values and the deposit mass on the probe was observed for the Rs index. However, due to the low sulfur content of straw, Rs numerical interpretation was not adequate. Overall, the indices indicating both good correlation coefficients and an appropriate numerical interpretation for fouling tendency were B/A, Fu, and Cl. Full article

As the European Union’s energy systems are transforming towards achieving climate goals, this article examines the energy balances of EU member states. This analysis covers, among other things, the dynamics of energy dependence and strategies for decoupling economic growth from the level of emissions in the European Union (EU), with particular emphasis on Poland, which is strongly influenced by its historical reliance on coal in the energy balance. Using panel data from 1990 to 2022, the article investigates differences in energy dependence between individual countries, shaped by economic structures and national energy policies. The study results confirm significant heterogeneity between member states and emphasize that the stability and direction of decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are strongly dependent on the composition of the energy mix and vulnerability to external conditions. Based on scenario analysis, potential paths for Poland’s energy transition are assessed. We demonstrate that a high share of renewable energy sources (RES) significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, provided it is accompanied by infrastructure modernization and the development of energy storage. Furthermore, integrating nuclear energy as a stabilizing element of the energy mix offers an additional path to deep decarbonization while ensuring supply reliability. Finally, we demonstrate that improving energy efficiency and demand management can effectively increase energy security and reduce emissions, even in a scenario with a stable coal share. The study addresses a research gap by integrating decoupling analysis with scenario-based stochastic modeling for Poland, a country for which few comprehensive transition assessments exist. The results provide practical guidance for developing resilient, low-emission energy policies in Poland and the EU. Results are reported for 2025–2050 (with 2040 as an interim milestone). Full article

In the context of growing demand for renewable energy sources and greenhouse gas emission reductions, increasing attention is being paid to the use of agricultural waste as bioenergy feedstock. The energy potential of biomass in the form of vine stems and pomace from the Regent variety of grapes, grafted onto their own roots and various types of rootstocks (125AA, SO₄, 161-49), was assessed, where the control group consisted of ungrafted shrubs growing on their own roots, cultivated in south-eastern Poland. The analyses included the determination of technical and elementary parameters, pollutant emission indicators, and exhaust gas composition parameters. Compared to stems, pomace had a higher calorific value, higher C and H content, and lower dust emissions, while at the same time emitting more CO₂. Stems, on the other hand, showed higher ash content and higher dust emissions, which may limit their energy potential. Among the analysed substrates, pomace from 125AA achieved the highest calorific values at a low moisture content, while biomass from substrate 161-49 was distinguished by the lowest sulphur content and a favourable emission balance. Cluster analysis showed clear grouping of substrates in terms of fuel and emission parameters, indicating the possibility of optimal substrate selection for the production of bioenergy feedstock. The results confirm that the appropriate selection of rootstocks in viticulture can significantly increase the energy value of waste biomass and reduce emissions, supporting the development of local renewable energy systems. Full article

This article presents an analysis of the architectural integration of two new buildings implemented on the Gdańsk University of Technology campus (Poland) as a case study of combining contemporary technologies with cultural continuity. The buildings, designed by the author of the article, who is the main designer, are a conscious response to the historical urban and architectural context of the campus, the development of which started at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of Dutch Neo-Renaissance. The new buildings refer to the architectural heritage of the university through their scale and colors, but their form, details and applied technological solutions clearly reflect modernity. A particularly important element of their modern character is the implementation of advanced pro-ecological systems for obtaining energy from renewable sources (RES), which fits into the current climate challenges and the role of the technical university as a promoter of sustainable development. The article discusses how architecture, materials and modern building systems were used to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation. The analysis is based on design documentation and planning conditions, and its background is a broader discourse on culturally sustainable architecture. Conscious of other, more conservative views, the author puts forward the thesis that cultural continuity does not require stylistic imitation, but conscious, contextual reinterpretation. The results of the article enrich the debate on the development of academic campuses, heritage-responsible design and the role of the architect in shaping a space that connects the future with the past. The main research contribution of the article is the presentation of an original method of designing architectural objects that integrates advanced pro-ecological technologies with a contextual reinterpretation of architectural heritage, which constitutes a new perspective in the discussion on culturally sustainable architecture. Full article

Long-term renovation strategies (LTRSs) play a central role in achieving the European Union’s objective of a climate-neutral building stock by 2050. In Poland, the challenge is particularly acute: a majority of the building stock was constructed before 1990 and does not even meet basic thermal performance standards. In view of the state of the buildings in Poland and the assumptions made about obtaining the necessary energy parameters in the coming years, it is necessary to undertake thermal modernization measures. The purpose of the paper is to assess the economic efficiency of the variants of modernization of building stock in Poland, taking into account the constraints related to improving energy efficiency. Additionally, the article also points out the problem of discrepancies resulting from climate zones that may significantly affect the final primary energy results (on average, 5–15%). In order to achieve the objectives, the paper focuses on the analysis of energy sources. According to the overall score in the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, the best solutions, with a global priority of 0.46, are renewable energy sources (RESs). The evaluation of selected fuel types in the 2055 perspective, using the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method, indicate favorable environmental performance by sources based on electricity, i.e., air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, and electric heating, which achieved the highest relative closeness to the ideal solution. Heat pump systems can reduce energy consumption by 26–41% depending on the building and heat pump type. The final analysis in the paper concerns different options for thermal modernization of a model single-family house, taking into account different energy sources and stages of thermal modernization work. The scenario involves the simultaneous implementation of all renovation measures at an early stage, resulting in the lowest investment burden over time and the most favorable economic performance. Full article

The European energy transition, marked by the increasing share of renewable sources in the production mix, brings to the fore the issue of maintaining power quality under conditions of high variability. This study proposes an adaptive monitoring model based on a zonal classification of electrical networks according to the volatility of net renewable production (wind and photovoltaic). The approach relies on a proprietary Renewable Variability Index (RVI), developed using publicly available European datasets, to assess the mismatch between electricity consumption and renewable generation in six representative countries: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. Based on this index, the model defines three zonal risk levels and recommends differentiated power quality monitoring strategies: continuous high-resolution observation in critical areas, adaptive monitoring in medium-risk zones, and conditional event-based activation in stable regions. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in data acquisition requirements, without compromising the capacity to detect disruptive events. By incorporating adaptability, risk sensitivity, and selective allocation of monitoring resources, the proposed framework enhances operational efficiency in smart grid environments. It aligns with current trends in smart grid digitalization, enabling scalable, context-aware control and protection mechanisms that support Europe’s sustainability and energy security objectives while contributing to the broader goals of sustainable energy transition and long-term grid resilience. Full article

The increasing awareness of the need for sustainable solutions to secure future energy supplies has spurred the search for innovative approaches. Energo-Efekt Sp. z o.o. has prepared a project for the green transformation of the energy system at a producer of spirits through the rectification of raw alcohol. An installation was conceptualised to develop the system to convert energy from biomass fuels into electricity and heat. The innovation of the installation is the use of an expander—a Heliex system which is the twin-screw turbine generator converting energy in the form of wet steam into electrical power integrated with pressure-reducing valve. This system captures all or part of the available steam flow and reduces the steam pressure, not only delivering steam at the same, lower pressure but also generating rotary energy that can be used to produce electricity with the power output range of 160 to 600 kWe. Currently, the company utilises natural gas as a fuel source and acquires electricity from the external grid. Implementing the system could reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production of vodka at the plant by 97%, to 102 t CO₂ annually. This reduction would account for approximately 21% of the total carbon footprint of the entire alcohol production process. The system could also be applied to other low-power systems that produce < 250 kW, making it a viable option for use in distributed energy networks, and can be used as a model solution for other distillery plants. The transformation project dedicated to Polmos Żyrardów involves a comprehensive change in both the energy source and its management. The fossil fuels used until now are being replaced with a renewable energy source in the form of biomass. The steam and electricity cogeneration system meets the rectification process’s energy demand and can supply the central heating node. Heat recovery exchangers recuperate heat from the boiler room exhaust gases and the rectification cooling process. Potentially, all of these changes lead to the company’s energy self-sufficiency and reduce its overall environmental impact with almost zero CO₂ emissions. Full article

The objective of this study was to analyze price variability and the factors influencing the formation of monthly prices of by-products of the wood industry in Poland between October 2017 and January 2025. The analysis considered the impact of economic variables, including energy commodity prices (natural gas and coal) and industrial wood prices, on the pricing of wood industry by-products. The adopted approach enabled the identification of key determinants shaping the prices of these by-products. The effectiveness of two tree-based regression models—Random Forest (RF) and CatBoost (CB)—was compared in the analysis. Although RF offers greater interpretability and lower computational requirements, CB proved more effective in modeling dynamic, time-dependent phenomena. The results indicate that industrial wood prices exerted a weaker influence on by-product prices than natural gas prices, suggesting that the energy sector plays a leading role in shaping biomass prices. Coal prices had only a marginal impact on the biomass market, implying that changes in coal availability and pricing did not directly translate into changes in the prices of wood industry by-products. The growing role of renewable energy sources derived from natural gas and wood biomass is contributing to the emergence of a distinct market, increasingly independent of the traditional coal market. In Poland, due to limited access to alternative energy sources, biomass plays a critical role in the decarbonization of the energy sector. Full article

Energy transition, encompassing the development of renewable energy sources and associated power transmission grids, may significantly impact landscape visual resources, particularly those legally protected. Large-scale energy transitions require a mandatory visual impact assessment procedure, which utilises proximity and visibility analyses to comply with legal regulations and achieve minimal visual impact. While design stage proximity provides full compliance with the given country’s legal acts, the following visual impact analysis is more about demonstrating the low visual impact of design variants. Notably, at the energy infrastructure planning stage, the information on visual landscape resources remains insufficient; hence, avoiding conflicts is particularly challenging. To address this issue, a geoinformatic framework for Visual Landscape Absorption Capacity (VLAC) is proposed to support the sustainable planning of energy infrastructure right before the visual impact assessment. The framework involves identifying sensitive and valuable vantage points across the analysed landscape and determining the dimensions of energy infrastructure to be developed in a sustainable way regarding visual landscape resources. This paper presents a case study from Roztocze National Park in Poland, a protected area under significant pressure from solar farms and accompanying power transmission lines development. The results provide a critical assessment of the existing transmission lines (110 kV) and solar farms in relation to landscape visual resources, while also identifying three key areas where further infrastructure development can occur without landscape resource degradation. The framework geocomputation is based on digital elevation models, enabling easy replication in other locations to support the decision-making process and facilitate sustainable energy facility planning, thereby minimising potential conflicts with landscape resources. Full article