EU ETS allowances rose to 86.27 euros per ton, highest in 2.5 years. Brown coal plants spent 2.6 billion zł on ETS, full extent of their 2.7 billion zł loss. Hard coal plants spent 9.5 billion zł on ETS despite 2.3% production drop. Hard coal plants lost 4.4 billion zł overall, would profit 5.1 billion zł without ETS. Gas plants profited 506 million zł with 59% production surge to 9.9 TWh. Gas electricity costs 188 zł/MWh versus 252 zł/MWh for hard coal. ETS comprises 68% of hard coal costs but 26% of gas costs. Gas emits 42% less CO2 per MWh than coal. ZE PAK shut brown coal blocks, plans full coal exit by mid-2026. ZE PAK builds 562 MW gas plant operational 2027. Gas share hit 13.1% of Polish electricity in 2025, up from 5.6% in 2022. Gas plants provide flexibility to balance wind and solar variability. Coal plants suit closure due to ongoing losses. Private owners would liquidate coal assets immediately without state pressure.