Under Polish law, the legislative act that sets out the methods for utilising renewable energy sources is the Act of 20 February 2015 on Renewable Energy Sources (i.e. Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1436, as amended). This Act also contains a definition of renewable energy sources. Pursuant to Article 2(22), renewable energy sources are to be understood as ‘renewable, non-fossil energy sources, including wind energy, solar radiation energy, aerothermal energy, geothermal energy, hydrothermal energy, hydropower, wave, tidal and marine current energy, ambient energy, energy derived from biomass, biogas, agricultural biogas, biomethane, biofuels and renewable hydrogen”.
In accordance with the above Act, renewable energy sources include, in particular:
- solar energy – utilised by photovoltaic installations or solar collectors,
- hydropower – generated from water currents using turbines and hydrogenerators in hydroelectric power stations,
- wind energy – obtained from the movement of air driving wind turbines,
- geothermal energy – obtained from shallow depths using ground-source heat pumps, whilst hot water can be extracted from deep boreholes without the need for other heat exchangers,
- biomass – energy released during the decomposition of organic matter of plant and animal origin; it can be burned or converted into liquid or gaseous fuels.
As for renewable energy sources, they can be utilised in the national energy sector, as well as in households and businesses.
In the case of businesses, depending on the nature of their operations, they can in principle use systems and installations based on any energy source; however, in practice, businesses most commonly opt for solutions based on photovoltaics and heat pumps.
In addition to the above, renewable energy sources can be used in businesses in conjunction with other solutions in the field of ecology and sustainable development, including, amongst others:
- a low-emission fleet of electric vehicles and machinery,
- thermal retrofitting of company buildings,
- the installation of systems to reduce water and energy consumption and waste generation in office buildings.
It should be emphasised that the transition to renewable energy sources in a business requires an initial capital investment and the carrying out of necessary works in buildings or directly in their immediate surroundings; however, businesses can begin to feel the benefits of switching to renewable energy sources after just a few months.
Among the most important benefits of using renewable energy sources in businesses, the following should be highlighted above all:
Cost savings
One of the most significant advantages of using renewable energy sources in a business is the ability to reduce the running costs associated with operating the business. This is due to the fact that electricity in Poland is among the most expensive in Europe. No major changes are expected in the near future, as the energy transition in Poland is still progressing too slowly. This should be the main reason why more and more businesses should decide to invest in renewable energy sources.
Avoiding further electricity price rises
Recently, electricity prices have been rising at a very rapid pace. This is primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s armed invasion of Ukraine, which has triggered a global economic crisis. Switching to renewable energy sources means, above all, peace of mind and the certainty that energy prices will not rise in the near future.
Enhancing a company’s prestige
Another important advantage of renewable energy sources is the potential to enhance a company’s reputation. Companies that utilise renewable energy sources in their business operations can gain prestige and recognition in the eyes of customers, business partners and potential stakeholders.
Favourable financing
The European Union’s energy transition is one of the member states’ priorities. European climate law requires the European Union to become climate-neutral by 2050. This stems from the commitment made by the European Union and its member states when signing the Paris Agreement in 2015.
To achieve this, the European Union has introduced numerous support schemes available to both businesses and households, designed to facilitate access to technologies utilising renewable energy sources. This is primarily reflected in the opportunity to secure grants, but also in achieving a faster return on investment.
The right to resell surplus energy produced
Any business acting as a prosumer has the option to resell surplus energy generated from renewable sources. This solution creates the opportunity to generate additional profits for entities whose installation capacity and the amount of energy it produces exceed the company’s current demand.
Positive impact on the environment
Renewable energy sources also have a positive impact on the environment by helping to curb the negative effects of climate change. Currently, we are all feeling the effects of climate change. We are increasingly facing extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, torrential rain, hurricanes, floods, ocean acidification and the loss of biodiversity. The use of renewable energy sources can slow down this rate of change.
In summary, it should be noted that the use of renewable energy sources in a business brings a number of benefits. First and foremost, the generation of renewable energy offers the possibility of unlimited production of direct current. Unlike non-renewable energy sources, which include in particular fossil fuels such as natural gas or crude oil, renewable energy sources will never run out. Furthermore, renewable energy sources cause less environmental pollution. Most renewable energy sources are also carbon-neutral, which effectively improves public health and the state of the natural environment, protecting people from the effects of climate change.
He gained his professional experience in one of Lublin's renowned law firms, dealing with civil and business law in its broadest sense. At the law firm Hewelt Wojnowski i Wspólnicy spółka komandytowa, he deals on a daily basis with current counseling in the field of business and the development of corporate documentation of companies, such as. Company agreements, bylaws of company bodies, agreements regulating relations between shareholders, resolutions of company bodies, M&A transactions. In addition to…
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