Prospects for the development of hydropower in Poland

Abstract

The paper analyzes the current state of hydropower and the possibilities of its development. The technical hydropower potential of Poland at the level of 12 thousand. 20% of GWh/year is currently used. Possibilities of increasing installed capacity and energy production relate mainly to small hydropower in the power range up to 5 MW. The example of the Odra and Oława Rivers shows that a lot of clean and renewable energy can still be obtained. The prospects for a more intensive development of hydropower in Poland are optimistic, but there are barriers that slow down its development. Poland's membership in the EU and environmental, climate and energy directives force the state to be significantly involved in the development of hydropower.