SUCCESSFUL POLICIES FOR A JUST ENERGY TRANSITION: THREE SOLUTIONS FROM POLAND'S RESIDENTIAL ENERGY SECTOR

The energy transformation of Poland's residential sector has been a critical issue for the country's energy and climate policy goals. This transformation began in the 1990s and reached a tipping point in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The residential sector in Poland heavily relies on coal, with households consuming 90% of all coal in the EU's residential sector. Additionally, 80% of the coal used for individual heating in Poland is imported from Russia. The lack of effective decarbonization policies in the residential sector has led to Poland lagging behind the European decarbonization trend. However, recent initiatives such as the Clean Air and My Electricity programs have shown promising results in supporting the transition to cleaner heating technologies and renewable energy sources. The energy price crisis and Russian aggression have further highlighted the need for energy security and the importance of addressing the distributional repercussions of the crisis. Policy recommendations include providing tax and benefit incentives for low-income households, prioritizing thermal retrofit programs and district heating connections for energy-poor households, and investing in the renovation of social housing stock. These solutions aim to support a just energy transition and improve housing and heating conditions during the decarbonization process.