The Future of Polish Coal

Abstract

The article identified opportunities and threats for Polish coal mainly in the realities of the EU climate and energy policy. It presents the main principles of this policy and the resulting EU directives in the field of climate protection and the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the production of electricity and thermal energy. Discusses the negative effects (risks) for Poland entailed meet EU requirements. Also discussed the chances of Polish coal, stating the proposed solutions for meeting the EU directives and maintain energy security without sacrificing Polish coal.