The Importance of Agriculture in the Renewable Energy Production in Poland and the EU

The study attempted to assess the importance of agriculture in the process of renewable energy development in Poland and the EU. It was pointed out that, despite the large production potential, the share of agriculture in the production of renewable energy is relatively small in many countries, including Poland. It was stressed that a special role in the process of renewable energy production in agriculture can be played by agricultural biogas plants. Production of agricultural biogas is not only a way to generate renewable energy but also a manner for reduction of methane emissions, usually taking place when manure is stored on the farm. This is particularly important from the point of view of the EU's climate policy. The experience of many countries shows that the growth in importance of renewable energy, particularly in the early stages of development of specified technology depends on the support by public funds. Available statistics suggest that the EU Member States present very different approach to the policy of RES support. In some EU countries (including Poland), a large part of public funds is directed to support “traditional” energy based on fossil fuels