The analysis of the innovative potential of the energy sector and low-carbon development: A case study for Poland

Abstract

The problem of excessive use of fossil fuels is a serious problem in many countries. The desire to obtain relatively cheap energy by burning mainly coal often wins over the need to maintain a good state of the environment. In recent years, Poland has been catching up with economic development in relation to the countries that were members of the EU before 2004. Despite the good economic indicators that Poland has achieved in recent years, much remains to be done to ensure sustainable low-carbon development. Expenditures on the development of innovative technologies that would contribute to reducing excessive emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere are not sufficient. The article presents the determinants of innovative activity in Poland and indicates the main problems associated with the implementation of sustainable low-carbon development. The article also presents the perspectives of low-carbon development in Poland in relation to the innovation potential, with particular emphasis on renewable energy sources, and indicates the main factors that may contribute to a faster departure from inefficient technologies of energy production based on fossil fuels. The purpose of the article is to analyse the conditions associated with low-carbon development in Poland, with particular emphasis on the energy sector. The article refers to the most important issues related to the development of renewable energy sources and indicates low-carbon development perspectives in Poland.

Keywords

• Economy
• Low-carbon development
• Energy
• Innovation