Poland’s energy independence took a significant step this week with the opening of a liquid natural gas (LNG) terminal at the port city of Swinoujscie on the Baltic Coast. 

Poland will now have the option to import liquid natural gas from a variety of sources and not be tied to the fluctuations in supply and price of imported Russian gas.

Prime Minister, Eva Kopacz, who attended the ceremony, suggested in her speech that by the end of next year, Poland could in theory import 100% of its gas needs from sources other than the east, implying Russia.

Despite the opening of the terminal, the first supply of liquid natural gas has yet to be made. This is due to arrive before the end of the year, with gas being pumped around the country from the second quarter of next year.

Law & Justice leader, and favourite to be the next Prime Minister following the upcoming elections, Beata Szydlo, attempted to make political capital of the opening of the LNG Terminal by suggesting it could have been opened two years earlier.

Poland’s general elections are to be held on 25th October.