Conclusions
As illustrated by the case of biogas plants, much work remains to be done in Poland in the field of
renewable energy. While only 33 such plants are currently in operation, another 200 or so are in the
pipeline. The growth of biogas plants as well as other renewable has been stunted by uncertainty about
the future and the lack of clear rules governing the amount of support for the sector. The Law on
renewable energy sources, which was due for adoption two years ago, has not moved beyond the
preparation of its final draft. As legislative changes cannot be adopted before relevant input
technologies have been developed, there will always be a delay before new regulations adapt to new
technologies. Yet, the example of other European countries shows that renewable energy sources are
no longer classified as innovative technologies and that they have graduated to be seen as well-tested
power-generating installations. To remedy the situation in which no new installations are built while
the existing ones generate no profit, the Polish government must act promptly and propose legislation
to ensure a reliable predictable future for the sector in the long run. This can be achieved by
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providing a fundamental legislative environment for both the existing as well as the planned renewable
energy installations.
Biogas plants supplied with food industry waste present the biggest growth opportunity available to
the Polish renewable energy sector. Such plants are not only designed to produce energy from
renewable natural sources but also, and primarily so, to solve the problem of how to dispose of organic
waste. In addition, biogas plants built in the agri-food sector make the food industry more profitable.
And yet, such installations will never be profitable without governmental support, reliable legislation
on renewable sources of energy and EU co-financing. They are not set up for economic purposes
but rather to improve the management of environmentally harmful waste and protect the natural
environment by reducing carbon and methane emissions which contribute to the greenhouse effect.