A just energy transition in Poland - the study visit by Members of the European Parliament

A just energy transition was the theme of the study visit organised by the Polish Electricity Association (PKEE) in cooperation with the Danish Energy Association for the Polish and Danish Members of the European Parliament to the Bełchatów Power Plant and Opencast Mine and to the Kamieńsk Mountain.

The goal of the visit, organised on the 17th and 18th of October 2019, was to present the changes that are taking place in Poland’s energy sector. At the beginning of the tour, Henryk Baranowski, President of the Polish Electricity Association and CEO of PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna has pointed out that the transformation of the energy sector is a complex process that requires collaboration and exchange of good practices between different countries. - In the discussion that is taking place, we are building a broad coalition of the energy sector, coal regions in transition, the government and EU institutions. What is most important is the collaboration for the solidary dialogue combined with the financing of the energy investments, taking into account the social costs as well as the changes taking place in the entire economy – he explained. - This is why as the PKEE we are commencing numerous efforts aimed at highlighting Poland’s position on the 2050 long-term strategy. All this to ensure that the transition of Poland’s energy sector will be effective both economically and socially – he added. As part of the ongoing discussion we are building a broad coalition of the energy sector, transition mining regions and government and EU institutions. The most important thing is to work together for solidarity dialogue combined with financing energy investments, taking into account social costs as well as changes occurring in the whole economy - he explained. - That is why, as PKEE, we are undertaking a number of activities aimed at highlighting the Polish position on the long-term strategy until 2050, all in order to make the transformation of the Polish energy sector both economically and socially effective - he added. 

During their stay in Poland, the Danish MEPs had the opportunity to obtain first-hand information about how the power sector is changing, and also about the importance to the sector of implementing innovative and environment-friendly solutions. The representatives of the European Parliament have studied the solutions used at the Bełchatów Power Plant and Opencast Mine and at the Kamieńsk Wind Park. - During such visits, our guests can see for themselves how we are coping with the challenges our industry is facing and how it is developing. We are part of the PGE Group that is the leader of Poland’s energy transition. We are implementing numerous measures taking us towards a modern low-emissions economy. We are leveraging the latest scientific and technological achievements while not forgetting about the principles, values and goals that guarantee our sustainable growth. International cooperation is an opportunity for us to gain more experience and skills that will drive our energy future – stressed Robert Ostrowski, President of the Management Board of PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna. During such visits, our guests can see first-hand how we deal with the challenges facing our industry and how it is developing. We are part of the PGE Group, which is the leader of the energy transformation in the country. We undertake numerous initiatives leading us to a modern low-carbon economy. We take advantage of the latest scientific and technological achievements, while not forgetting about the principles, values and objectives which guarantee our sustainable development. International cooperation is an opportunity for us to gain further experience and skills that will drive our energy future - emphasised Robert Ostrowski, President of the Management Board of PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna.  

The second part of the study will take place already at the beginning of the next year in Denmark. Such a solution will provide Members of the European Parliament with a comprehensive view of the energy industries of both countries. 

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