Renewables in the Energy Security Landscape in Poland and Ukraine

The author argues that Poland and Ukraine's dependence on Russian gas and oil creates significant security vulnerabilities, which Russia exploits for political pressure. While Poland is investing in infrastructure like the Świnoujście LNG terminal and Baltic Pipe to end gas imports by 2022, Ukraine remains more vulnerable due to limited financial and regulatory capacity. The document posits that long-term resilience against 'hybrid war' requires a shift from centralized energy systems to distributed networks based on renewables and improved energy efficiency, particularly in the housing sector.

• The construction of the Nord Stream I pipeline shifted the strategic position of Poland and Ukraine from a state of interdependence with Russia to one of dependence, leading to unfavorable gas contracts for Poland.
• Poland is implementing infrastructure projects, including the Świnoujście LNG terminal and the Baltic Pipe connection to Norway, with the goal of ceasing gas imports from Russia after 2022.
• Ukraine faces a more precarious situation than Poland due to military pressure from Russia and a lack of financial, legislative, and regulatory capacity to reform its energy sector.
• Centralized energy networks in Poland and Ukraine are susceptible to 'hybrid war' from Russia; therefore, transitioning to distributed energy systems with small producers would increase resilience.
• Poland faces an impending electricity shortage between 2023 and 2035, with the required surplus power shortfall growing from 1,000 megawatts in 2023 to 13,000 megawatts by 2035.
• There is significant potential for energy efficiency gains in Ukraine's housing sector, where comprehensive modernization could reduce gas demand by 56%.
• Biogas is identified as a viable alternative for both countries, though Poland lacks regulations for introducing biogas into gas networks and Ukraine's potential is hindered by the risk of war.

APA

Ksiezopolski, K. (2019). Renewables in the Energy Security Landscape in Poland and Ukraine. Green European Journal. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/renewables-in-the-energy-security-landscape-in-poland-and-ukraine/

Chicago

Ksiezopolski, Krzysztof. Renewables in the Energy Security Landscape in Poland and Ukraine. Green European Journal, 2019. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/renewables-in-the-energy-security-landscape-in-poland-and-ukraine/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ksiezopolski |first1=Krzysztof |title=Renewables in the Energy Security Landscape in Poland and Ukraine |publisher=Green European Journal |date=29 April 2019 |url=https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/renewables-in-the-energy-security-landscape-in-poland-and-ukraine/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ksiezopolski2019renewables, author = {Ksiezopolski, Krzysztof}, title = {{Renewables in the Energy Security Landscape in Poland and Ukraine}}, institution = {Green European Journal}, year = {2019}, month = apr, url = {https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/renewables-in-the-energy-security-landscape-in-poland-and-ukraine/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }