Poland’s industrial sector, generating 21-23% of national GDP, is one of the largest manufacturing bases in the European Union. This represents a significant competitive advantage for Poland. The industrial sector is facing both a historic opportunity and a major challenge. Growing pressure from global competition, dramatic fluctuations in energy prices, and the strategic need to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports mean that Poland needs an active industrial policy. This is the last opportunity to build competitive advantages by making the most of the current economic situation. According to the December 2025 update of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), Poland will invest PLN 3-3.5 trillion over the coming years, primarily in clean technologies (cleantech). Demand for these solutions will grow rapidly. In response to these challenges, Forum Energii, in cooperation with the analytical centre SpotData, has published a report entitled Clean Technologies. Competitive Poland. Directions for the Development of Domestic Industry through 2030, which identifies specific solutions and analyses Poland’s potential in the area of clean technologies that could become the country’s strategic specialisations.
It is in Poland’s strategic interest to actively participate in the European debate on the future of industry and clean technologies, particularly as work is under way on the EU’s new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. The European Commission has already announced significant funding to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy, support industrial investment and decarbonisation, and develop strategic technologies
– notes Dr Joanna Pandera, President of Forum Energii.
Energy transition, clean technologies, and local content
Key findings – how can Poland avoid becoming merely an assembly hub?
The key to success is to make smart choices about strategic areas. “Local content” should mean more than assembly alone. The real benefits emerge when knowledge, intellectual property, design, and servicing remain in the country. This is particularly evident in energy storage and electromobility: despite the large scale of exports, Polish-owned companies generate only 1.8% and 6.5%, respectively, of revenues in these sectors. At the same time, we have sectors where local content is a genuine strength: rail transport, with an almost complete value chain; grid components, where domestic companies have a strong position; and circular economy solutions, which could develop into a domestic specialisation
– says Marcin Dusiło, Head of the Industry Programme at Forum Energii.
