Assessment of the Current Potential of Hydropower for Water Damming in Poland in the Context of Energy Transformation

Bartłomiej Igliński, Krzysztof Krukowski, Jarosław Mioduszewski, Michal Pietrzak, Mateusz Skrzatek, Grzegorz Piechota and Sebastian Wilczewski
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Bartłomiej Igliński: Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
Krzysztof Krukowski: Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Jarosław Mioduszewski: Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Mateusz Skrzatek: Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
Grzegorz Piechota: GP CHEM, Laboratory of Biogas Research and Analysis, Legionów 40a/3, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
Sebastian Wilczewski: Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-30

Abstract: The present paper indicates that hydropower, including small hydropower plants (SHPs), may play a very important role in Poland’s energy transformation in the near future. The development of SHPs may also increase water resources in the steppe Poland. Additionally, the aim of the present research is to conduct the PEST analysis of SHPs in Poland, taking into account the SHP potential. For the first time, maps showing the power and location of potential SHPs on the existing dams in Poland are presented. SHPs should be an important element of energy transition in Poland, especially on a local scale—it is stable energy production. Our analysis shows that there are 16,185 such dams in Poland, while the total capacity of potential hydropower plants in Poland would be 523.6 MW, and the total number of new jobs is estimated at 524. It was calculated that the annual avoided carbon dioxide emissions will amount to 4.4 million tons, which will reduce Poland’s emissions by 1.4%. The construction of SHPs can bring significant environmental and economic benefits. As far as the PEST analysis is concerned, the political environment of SHPs in Poland can be described as unfavorable (2.86 points). The economical nature of PEST analysis (3.86 points) should be considered as friendly for the development of SHPs. The social nature of PEST analysis can be considered as neutral (3.36 points). The technological nature of the PEST analysis can be considered as neutral (3.21 points).

Keywords: hydropower; small hydropower plants; energy transformation; water retention; PEST analysis; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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