Poland plans to increase its coal production as part of the government’s energy strategy, Poland's Minister of Climate and Environment, Anna Moskwa, said on Thursday.
Two-thirds of the country’s coal consumption is locally produced, but Poland also imports from Colombia, South Africa, Australia and Indonesia.
These imports are costly, as the majority are transported by ship to Polish ports or transferred by train from Amsterdam.
Speaking to the Polish weekly magazine Gosc Niedzielny, Moskwa confirmed that local coal is still dominant and the country will ensure energy security from not only coal but nuclear and gas also.
The country is slated to construct three nuclear plants, which, when completed, will result in a reduced share of natural gas and coal in its energy mix.
As part of its energy strategy, six nuclear power units with a total capacity of 6 to 9 gigawatts will be built in the country.
The first reactor, which will be built in accordance with the agreement with the US, will begin operations in 2033 and generate 1-1.6 gigawatts of power. Subsequent reactors will be built every two years.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with South Korea at the end of October for the development of the nation’s second nuclear power plant.
By Murat Temizer
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr