Poles' winter anxiety over lack of coal in coal dependent Poland

Millions of Poles are still reliant on coal for their energy and heating needs, but a steady decline in the country's production, the embargo on Russian imports, and inflation have all played their part in a looming energy crisis this winter.

The southern Silesia region, is the very soul of Poland´s coal-mining sector, the largest in the European Union, but even here the lack of coal doesn’t spare anybody, including former miners. 

Jacek says retired miners like him used to receive 3 tonnes of complimentary coal every winter, but not anymore. 

"From where can warehouses get coal? And then, if you go yourself to the mine, there are 2,000 people ahead of you on the waiting list." Says Jacek.

The almost 2 million Poles whose heating directly depends on coal face a bleak winter, and temperatures here can drop to -20ºC.

The government has promised help, but prices have multiplied four times since Spring, and are still rising. The war in Ukraine has stretched a sector already in decline.

Poland is the EU´s second-largest producer, behind Germany, but coal is considered too much of a pollutant and is no longer profitable here, which has led to a steady decline in the industry.  

The Bogdanka mine was made famous some weeks ago due to queues reportedly stretching back some 40km, as desperate customers searched for affordable coal. An online reservation system has subsequently made coal delivery easier, but it has been suggested that the mine only has a limited supply of coal remaining. 

Although site managers would not talk to Euronews or allow access to the facilities. 

A nearby farm needs around 2.5 tonnes tons of coal every winter. That will be difficult this year. They have considered installing a heat pump, but they could not