• Energy Research

Transformation of coal-dependent regions in the European Union has received much lower research interest than industry decarbonisation. Moreover, even if territorial strategies are proposed, positive aspects are highlighted, while the risks are neglected or not addressed explicitly. In this context, we explore transition stakeholders’ beliefs and perception about political, economic, social, environmental and technological risks and opportunities for the coal-dependent region of Silesia (Poland) – the largest European coal region. A multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary assessment of risks and opportunities demonstrates that all stakeholders but NGOs consider the consequences of climate change-induced uncertainties unambiguously negative. The territorial analysis of Silesian counties based on the Prevalent Vulnerability Index scoring shows that virtually all counties with the ongoing coal mining activity are expected to face difficulties with adapting to changes.

Transformation of coal-dependent regions in the European Union has received much lower research interest than industry decarbonisation. Moreover, even if territorial strategies are proposed, positive aspects are highlighted, while the risks are neglected or not addressed explicitly. In this context, we explore transition stakeholders’ beliefs and perception about political, economic, social, environmental and technological risks and opportunities for the coal-dependent region of Silesia (Poland) – the largest European coal region. A multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary assessment of risks and opportunities demonstrates that all stakeholders but NGOs consider the consequences of climate change-induced uncertainties unambiguously negative. The territorial analysis of Silesian counties based on the Prevalent Vulnerability Index scoring shows that virtually all counties with the ongoing coal mining activity are expected to face difficulties with adapting to changes.

This paper is the first country-specific analysis of the market-driven Smart Metering innovation system, covering technologies, actors, and policies. It provides new insights on the key enablers and barriers in the rollout of electricity Smart Meters (SMs) without binding regulatory mandate. The presented research is based on the Technology Innovation System (TIS) analysis for Poland, where an obligation scheme for the rolling out of SMs has been introduced very recently. Still, the number of SMs installed places the country in the top 10 Member States of the European Union. The implementation of SMs is progressing in a complex, multi-actor innovation system, shaped by the leading role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The article analyses the key elements of the SM innovation system (technologies and infrastructures, actors and networks, institutions and policies) and characterizes their interaction based on desk research and a critical assessment of regulations, statistics, and literature. The major enablers of the rollout are DSOs expectations of benefits, which have been instigated by the market regulator’s benevolence in tariffs approval. On the other hand, the major barriers are delayed and incomplete public policy instruments. Results of the study can inform the development of other market-driven SM deployments around the world.

This paper is the first country-specific analysis of the market-driven Smart Metering innovation system, covering technologies, actors, and policies. It provides new insights on the key enablers and barriers in the rollout of electricity Smart Meters (SMs) without binding regulatory mandate. The presented research is based on the Technology Innovation System (TIS) analysis for Poland, where an obligation scheme for the rolling out of SMs has been introduced very recently. Still, the number of SMs installed places the country in the top 10 Member States of the European Union. The implementation of SMs is progressing in a complex, multi-actor innovation system, shaped by the leading role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The article analyses the key elements of the SM innovation system (technologies and infrastructures, actors and networks, institutions and policies) and characterizes their interaction based on desk research and a critical assessment of regulations, statistics, and literature. The major enablers of the rollout are DSOs expectations of benefits, which have been instigated by the market regulator’s benevolence in tariffs approval. On the other hand, the major barriers are delayed and incomplete public policy instruments. Results of the study can inform the development of other market-driven SM deployments around the world.

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na konieczność zapewnienia interesów odbiorców końcowych podczas procesu tworzenia struktur sieci inteligentnych (Smart Grid). Opisano konsekwencje dla operatorów sieci dystrybucyjnych (OSD) w przypadku rozwoju sieci inteligentnych i pojawienia się na rynku energii elektrycznej prosumentów. Przedstawione rozważania koncentrują się na problematyce końcowego odbiorcy (jego roli, potencjalnych korzyściach, motywacjach, obawach, uprawnieniach i nowych relacjach z OSD) w kontekście zagadnień związanych z wdrażaniem Smart Grid. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the need to ensure the interests of end-users in the process of creation of structures of Smart Grids. The consequences for distribution power system operators (DSOs) by the development of smart grids and the appearance of prosumers on the electricity market were described. The discussion is focused on the end user (the role, potential benefits, motivations, anxieties laws and new relationships with DSOs) in the context of issues related to the implementation of the Smart Grid.

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zwrócenie uwagi na konieczność zapewnienia interesów odbiorców końcowych podczas procesu tworzenia struktur sieci inteligentnych (Smart Grid). Opisano konsekwencje dla operatorów sieci dystrybucyjnych (OSD) w przypadku rozwoju sieci inteligentnych i pojawienia się na rynku energii elektrycznej prosumentów. Przedstawione rozważania koncentrują się na problematyce końcowego odbiorcy (jego roli, potencjalnych korzyściach, motywacjach, obawach, uprawnieniach i nowych relacjach z OSD) w kontekście zagadnień związanych z wdrażaniem Smart Grid. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the need to ensure the interests of end-users in the process of creation of structures of Smart Grids. The consequences for distribution power system operators (DSOs) by the development of smart grids and the appearance of prosumers on the electricity market were described. The discussion is focused on the end user (the role, potential benefits, motivations, anxieties laws and new relationships with DSOs) in the context of issues related to the implementation of the Smart Grid.

W artykule przeanalizowano stan i dalszy rozwój krajowego sektora wytwarzania energii elektrycznej w świetle najnowszych raportów Międzynarodowej Agencji Energetycznej, wskazujących potencjalne trendy i perspektywy w światowej energetyce. Na tle przewidywanego wzrostu zapotrzebowania na energię elektryczną wskazano na możliwość istotnego ograniczenia emisji CO2 drogą zastąpienia przestarzałych, nieefektywnych elektrowni węglowych, nowymi wysokosprawnymi blokami w zaawansowanej technologii węglowej oraz blokami gazowo-parowymi. Oceniono możliwości rozwoju energetyki jądrowej oraz odnawialnych źródeł energii. Wskazano na wagę problematyki efektywności użytkowania energii oraz zarządzania energią po stronie popytowej. The paper analyzed the further development of the national electricity generation sector including the latest reports of the International Energy Agency, indicating the potential trends and prospects in the global energy sector. On the background of the anticipated increase in electricity demand, indicated the possibility of a significant reduction in CO2 emissions through the replacement of obsolete, inefficient coal-fired power plants, with high efficiency advanced coal power units and combined gas-steam units. Rated opportunities for development of nuclear power and renewable energy sources. Pointed to the importance of the efficiency of energy use and the demand side management.

W artykule przeanalizowano stan i dalszy rozwój krajowego sektora wytwarzania energii elektrycznej w świetle najnowszych raportów Międzynarodowej Agencji Energetycznej, wskazujących potencjalne trendy i perspektywy w światowej energetyce. Na tle przewidywanego wzrostu zapotrzebowania na energię elektryczną wskazano na możliwość istotnego ograniczenia emisji CO2 drogą zastąpienia przestarzałych, nieefektywnych elektrowni węglowych, nowymi wysokosprawnymi blokami w zaawansowanej technologii węglowej oraz blokami gazowo-parowymi. Oceniono możliwości rozwoju energetyki jądrowej oraz odnawialnych źródeł energii. Wskazano na wagę problematyki efektywności użytkowania energii oraz zarządzania energią po stronie popytowej. The paper analyzed the further development of the national electricity generation sector including the latest reports of the International Energy Agency, indicating the potential trends and prospects in the global energy sector. On the background of the anticipated increase in electricity demand, indicated the possibility of a significant reduction in CO2 emissions through the replacement of obsolete, inefficient coal-fired power plants, with high efficiency advanced coal power units and combined gas-steam units. Rated opportunities for development of nuclear power and renewable energy sources. Pointed to the importance of the efficiency of energy use and the demand side management.