The emissivity and energy intensity in eu countries – consequences for the polish economy

The industrial revolution, dynamic economic growth and population growth in the world mainly affect to an increase in demand for electricity. The energy sector is responsible for 2/3 of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union is leading the global action against the climate change, both by planning international actions aimed at reducing global warming to the level of 2°C, as well as through its own commitment to very significant greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The decarbonisation of the electricity sector and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions adopted by the European Union in the climate policy 2050 affect the economic competitiveness of member states in comparison of the other countries where there are no emission limits. The aims of this article are: analysis of the energy mix diversity and the level of greenhouse gas emissions of the European Union Member States according to total CO_2eqv and t/capita, analysis of the energy intensity of the Polish economy in relation to other European Union countries. This article identifies Poland as a country for which the adopted EU energy policy will have a significant impact on economic development. The paper presents the impact of energy consumption on the economy and its structure of energy production both in terms of efficiency of sources, their general condition as well as fuels used in energy processes on the scale of carbon leakage phenomenon.