In Search for Schadenfreude: Polish Reactions to the German Energy Transition

When in 2011 Germany opted for a complete nuclear phase-out by 2022 (Atomausstieg), the Polish government was initiating steps towards the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the country. At the same time, Germany’s accelerating energy transition (Energiewende) saw the rapid deployment of new wind and especially solar PV installations, while Poland was reluctant to introduce legislation enabling, let alone supporting, small-scale “prosumer” power generation. Since 2011, Polish authorities and energy experts alike could be heard underlining that Germany’s Energiewende was a “unilateral policy”, not consulted with the neighbors while it had significant repercussions in the region. Indeed, Poland had to deal with the problem of unannounced physical electricity “loop flows” through its grid, originating from Germany. Given the completely different direction that Germany’s energy policy was taking, it comes as no surprise that Polish politicians and experts were eagerly pointing to all challenges and problems Energiewende faced or created – a sprit best captured by the German Schadenfreude. In this paper, we trace direct reactions in Poland to German energy policy changes. For this, we analyze energy policy documents, draft legislation, as well as transcripts of parliamentary debates and committee meetings. The goal is to provide empirical material for the analysis of policy influence, diffusion and (negative) learning in the context of high political and material interdependence.