The first day of the second edition of the European Industry and Energy Congress, which brought together representatives of government, science, industry, and institutions responsible for energy, infrastructure, and the environment, is now behind us. Discussions focused on energy security, the key role of small modular reactors (SMRs), energy storage, sustainable transport, and sources of financing for the transition.
In the face of an uncertain and constantly changing international geopolitical situation, the debate on the current state of Poland’s industrial and energy transformation, the impact of EU policy on the shape of national energy solutions, the security of infrastructure vulnerable to blackouts, as well as the threats of hybrid and cyber-attacks, remains relevant.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice, organizer of the Industry in Transition (INTO) Congress, keeps its finger on the pulse of the most important issues for the economy and industry.
– – We are meeting in a unique group of managers, heads of companies and institutions who decide what our economy looks like. I believe that together we will develop recommendations that will help introduce satisfactory and streamlining solutions for our entrepreneurs. Thanks to this event, industry and energy will receive an injection of up-to-date knowledge, allowing them to improve their functioning – emphasized Tomasz Zjawiony, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice, during the inauguration of the event.
Energy challenges affect not only areas strictly related to industry. It is no coincidence that this year’s edition of the INTO Congress is hosted by Wisła, a picturesque resort town.
– – You could say that we are at the beginning of the road towards energy transformation. The fact that we triple our population during the tourist season poses a considerable challenge for our infrastructure. We invite entrepreneurs to cooperate and invest in Wisła. We have land formerly used for rock mining, which we intend to use and revitalize for recreational or other purposes – encouraged Mayor Tomasz Bujok.
A representative of the Indian Embassy in Poland also took part in the inauguration ceremony.
– – Poland is India’s largest partner in Central and Eastern Europe. I see great potential for cooperation between our countries in the areas of innovation and energy. We face similar problems, such as a coal-based economy in the energy mix. We can exchange experiences – said Mohan Lal, Counsellor (Commerce) & Head of Chancery, Embassy of India to Poland.
First and foremost, security and SMRs
This word, currently on everyone’s lips, had to be a priority in the debate during the European Industry and Energy Congress in Wisła. Energy security is an important and key issue in social and political discussion because it is a component of national security. It is a permanent element of foreign policy due to the fact that it significantly determines international security.
According to Piotr Gołębiowski, Vice-President of the Management Board for Trade at TAURON Polska Energia S.A., thanks to the strategy of supplementing the energy mix with renewable energy sources and decarbonizing heating, Poland is not at risk of a situation similar to the April blackout in Spain.
However, we should take into account the risks associated with investments in energy infrastructure, especially in the context of dispersed ownership and energy security.
Rafał Sonik – entrepreneur, philanthropist, rally driver, President of the Management Board of Gemini Holding Sp. z o.o. – drew attention to Germany’s experience in the field of nuclear energy, which should influence the model of nuclear energy in Poland.
– – Germany unnecessarily got rid of nuclear power. Nuclear power plants will be the most important part of our energy mix, without which it will be impossible to achieve climate neutrality. We should focus on distributed nuclear energy. Many energy producers using SMRs (small modular reactors) will create competition, not a monopoly. Energy obtained in this way will be the most efficient and cheapest – emphasized Rafał Sonik.
Zero-emission and sustainable transport – now!
Increasing energy efficiency in transport so that it has the least possible negative impact on the environment is another challenge that was discussed during the INTO Congress.
– – There is no turning back from the transformation of the transport sector. Over 75% of emissions in this sector come from transport – this is a clear signal that change is inevitable. Within the next 15 years, all transport will have to be zero-emission. Today, we have approximately 12,500 buses in Poland, of which 1,500 are zero-emission vehicles. We plan to allocate PLN 14 billion to support the transformation of this sector. Today, we no longer ask whether this change will take place, but when and how quickly we will be able to implement it – assured Piotr Stępiński, Director of the Electromobility Department at the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
The Silesian Province is committed to developing sustainable mobility and creating a real alternative to car travel for both residents and businesses in the region.
– – Year after year, we are seeing a marked improvement in the area of sustainable transport. Last year, we carried 23 million passengers, and the growth potential is at least threefold. We still have a lot to do as a region. Interestingly, our research shows that for passengers, it is not the price but comfort and punctuality that are key. We currently have nearly 70 zero-emission trains, and we plan to double this fleet – added Tomasz Niedziela, Vice President of Koleje Śląskie Sp. z o.o.
New sources and models of financing the energy transition
Local governments, entrepreneurs, and research centers focusing on environmental protection and energy transition projects can count on a variety of financing sources: public and private investments, grants, risk mitigation instruments, and institutional support. Record funds for these purposes will be provided by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management – through its regional branches.
PKO Bank Polski will support the transition by offering loans to business customers. Companies operating in economic zones that incur expenses for PV installations (e.g., in the Katowice Special Economic Zone) can count on tax exemptions. The National Center for Research and Development has prepared a new STEP instrument, under which it will be possible to obtain funds for innovative projects, including in the area of sustainable energy, as early as July.
– – Fortunately, there are plenty of funds available, because energy transition without financing is like an electric car without a charger – summed up Przemysław Sulich, President of the Management Board of A1 Europe Sp. z o.o.
