A new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has forecast that Poland can increase its share of renewable energy in the countrys power generation from just 7% in 2010 to around 38% by 2030.

The REmap 2030 Renewable Energy Prospects for Poland report, prepared in collaboration with the Polish Ministry of Economy, also suggests that clean energys share of final energy consumption can also surpass 25% by 2030 provided appropriate investment was forthcoming.

Currently, the policies of Poland  which on Monday voted the opposition Law and Justice Party into power  would see clean energy rise to 15.5% of the countrys final energy consumption by 2030. But the REmapt 2030 report estimates that that rate could rise to 25% if investment in the countrys clean power sector was doubled to $4.5 billion a year.

In doing so, carbon emissions would be drastically reduced, saving Poland an estimated $2 billion each year when related environmental and health benefits are considered, the report adds.

The share of Polands renewable power landscape is dominated by biomass, but IRENAs report recommends balancing out this dominance by investing more heavily in wind power and solar PV, while grid improvements will aid the transition.

"As one of the EUs largest energy users, Poland plays a critical role in fulfilling the regions energy and climate goals," said IRENA director-general Adnan Z. Amin. "Even in a country like Poland, with cheap fossil-fuel based sources, renewable energy can be cost-competitive, reduce air pollution, enhance energy security, benefit the economy, and play a leading role in fighting climate change."

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