On 30th of May, the second day of the European Congress of Industry and Energy INTO 2025 in Wisła, the proceedings began with a topic crucial to the energy transition – the development of nuclear energy as an element of Poland’s energy security.
Nuclear energy as a strategic element of state policy
The special guest on the second day of the Congress was Minister of Industry Marzena Czarnecka, who presented the government’s plans to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant. In her speech, she emphasized the need to involve Polish industry in the entire process:
PLN 60 billion from the State Treasury is to be allocated for this purpose. We are focusing on the development of local content. It is not enough for a company to have its headquarters in Poland; the amount of Polish capital involved and the employment of Polish workers are also important. As part of the emerging nuclear industry, companies that obtain certification for their products and services will be able to make wider use of these patents. This will have a positive impact on, among other things, the Polish steel industry – explained Minister Czarnecka.
The minister also announced legislative measures. The Polish government is working on amendments to the Public Procurement Law to exclude so-called third countries from public tenders, and also wants to develop models that will help potential Polish investors.
We also want to create an information platform to help companies in their mutual relations. Companies would post the most important data on their assets, production capabilities, licenses, and certificates there to improve the flow of information on planned investments.
During the panel discussion on the development of nuclear energy, it was emphasized that Poland has a unique opportunity to build a nuclear sector from scratch, using the latest and safest technologies.
We have a handicap because we are building new installations using the most modern and safest technologies. We can also benefit from the experience of countries that have nuclear power. Work has already begun on the first power plant location by the sea. A second location is also being sought, and there are plans to build modular SMR power plants. It is important that entities intending to implement such investments engage in dialogue with residents and local governments and examine environmental conditions, such as the water level needed for the power plant to operate, at an early stage. It is also worth looking at these investments not only as a means of stabilizing the country’s energy supply, but also through the prism of rebates for local governments and new jobs – noted Przemysław Koperski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Social responsibility and local transformations
The next panels on the second day focused on corporate social responsibility and the role of entrepreneurs and local governments in conducting a just energy transition.
Krzysztof Szaliński, President of PEC Gliwice, emphasized the importance of local actions and dialogue with residents:
Transformation is not just a technical transformation. It is also an organizational transformation and a transformation of society.
Gliwice is implementing a strategy for 2040, in which the heating transformation is based, among other things, on the use of waste heat, integration with municipal companies, and the promotion of energy efficiency through educational programs.
Sławomir Wołyniec, President of Elektrociepłownia Zagłębie Dąbrowskie, referred to the situation of private companies in the heating sector:
It is clear that we are in a very difficult situation. The problem is that we are starting to settle into it..
He pointed out the unprofitability of cogeneration in Poland, unrealistic climate standards, and disproportionate penalties for unredeemed CO₂ certificates.
Investing in transformation will always pay off
During INTO, there was also discussion of other key issues of energy transformation, such as the future of wind and solar energy, as well as the need to change the landscape of Polish energy with renewable energy sources. Flexibility is key in this context, i.e., the ability to adjust consumption to cogeneration and energy prices.
We must always have electricity, which is why we have storage facilities and other means of accumulating it. Technically, the world has long since dealt with this issue. It is, of course, a costly matter, but undoubtedly profitable. Let’s not multiply new sources, but use what we have effectively. We should aim to consume 100% from a single source. We need to control production and consumption. For example, a school with photovoltaic panels that does not use energy on weekends could transfer it to the municipal swimming pool – appealed Tomasz Drzał, President of the Board of the National Chamber of Energy Clusters.
Financing as the foundation for change
The role of financial institutions was an important topic. Marta Kraus-Maksymiak, Expert in the ESG Sustainable Development Department at PKO Bank Polski, announced that the bank intends to allocate PLN 20 billion to finance green investments by 2027:
The bank does not only provide capital, but also becomes a partner. This is not transactional banking, but more of an advisory service based on mutual cooperation.
The bank creates dedicated products, including sustainable development loans and tools to facilitate ESG reporting, especially for SMEs.
The role of special zones and investors
Rafał Żelazny, President of the Management Board, KSSE S.A., spoke about investment incentives and the role of zones in the transformation:
In order for an entrepreneur to apply for a tax exemption, they must meet, among other things, quality criteria – e.g., 15% of installed capacity from renewable sources.
He also highlighted the difficulties associated with the availability of energy capacity and infrastructure challenges in investment areas.
Hydrogen as an impetus for change – the example of Rybnik
The second day also featured specific examples of local activities. Mayor Piotr Kuczera raised the topic of the hydrogen transport implementation project:
The city of Rybnik received funding covering 75% of the cost of purchasing 20 hydrogen buses, and another 14 vehicles are on the way with full, 100% support. Not long ago, we recorded up to 140 days a year with smog levels exceeding the norms – today it is only 20.
The city representative emphasized that the transition must be fair, respecting local realities and preparing new jobs:
We don’t want mines to be closed overnight. History has shown that sudden mine closures don’t end well for local communities.
Summary
The second day of the INTO Congress confirmed that a responsible and effective energy transition requires consistent action – from state policy, through local government and business initiatives, to financing and public education. In the face of dynamic climate and legislative challenges, there is no longer any room for postponing decisions.
The Congress showed that where knowledge, determination, and cooperation come together, change is possible.
