The Minister of Environment, Michał Woś, gave a presentation at a conference titled „The European Green Deal and Poland’s Interests”, where he proposed to create a Polish CO2 emissions trading system. He spoke on behalf of United Poland (Solidarna Polska), a party that is part of the United Right (Zjednoczona Prawica), a coalition that currently rules in Poland. „We ought to think through whether we should remain in the European system or, considering Poland’s peculiar position, propose a Polish emissions trading system. We prepared a bill on this matter to make sure that the emission prices are not subject to speculation,” he said.
Jakóbik: Will the upcoming cabinet reshuffle break the deadlock over climate and energy in Poland?
The dispute on climate neutrality in Polish government shows that the climate and energy policy is stuck in a dead end. This could only be resolved by a cabinet reshuffle that is to take place in the fall – writes Wojciech Jakóbik, editor-in-chief at BiznesAlert.pl.
Polish Briefing: Coal phase-out in Poland until 2036?
According to BiznesAlert.pl Polish government wants to close down last coal power plant until 2036.
A smaller budget for energy transition means it will be a lot more costly
Poland will receive about EUR 125 billion from the recovery fund and the EU’s new seven-year budget. The Just Transition Fund, which is the basic tool used for alleviating the social impact of the energy transition, will be worth EUR 10 billion. This is EUR 20 bn less than previously planned. The missing billions mean we should reconsider how we spend money from CO2 emission allowances sale – writes Bartłomiej Sawicki, editor at BiznesAlert.pl.
Polish Briefing: Merger of the climate and environment ministries after government reconstruction
What goes on in Poland on the 24th of July.
Brzeziński: The U.S. supports the Three Seas Initiative (INTERVIEW)
The Three Seas Initiative is a Central European launched and led undertaking. The United States Government not only supports it diplomatically — you may recall President Trump’s robust endorsement at the TSI Summit Warsaw hosted in July 2017 — but has also committed to invest up to $1B into the Initiative, including the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund – says Ian Brzeziński (Atlantic Council) in an interview for BiznesAlert.pl.
BiznesAlert.pl: How is Three Seas Initiative compatible/incompatible with U.S. foreign policy?
Ian Brzeziński: The Three Seas Initiative is all about fulfilling the vision of a Europe that is free, undivided, prosperous and secure. By accelerating the development of cross-border energy, transport and digital infrastructure, the initiative will further the development of an integrated European economy and a single European market.
Infrastructural connectivity is a driver of economic growth and a critical means to strengthen economic resilience – including energy security through the diversification of energy supplies.
Better roads, rail roads, telecommunication links and energy connectors, especially in North-South directions, can also enhance military security by enabling the efficient and expeditious movement of Allied military forces through the nations that define NATO’s eastern frontier.
The Three Seas Initiative will enhance economic growth in Central and Eastern Europe, and enable not just that region but of all Europe to be more prosperous, economically resilient and secure. From a US perspective that is an Europe that is better able to cooperate in addressing shared opportunities and challenges.
The official line on TSI is that it is only economic enterprise. How Americans can involve in it?
The Three Seas Initiative is a Central European launched and led undertaking. The United States Government not only supports it diplomatically — you may recall President Trump’s robust endorsement at the TSI Summit Warsaw hosted in July 2017 — but has also committed to invest up to $1B into the Initiative, including the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund.
I am confident that as the Fund reaches a critical mass, it will attract to itself and to Central European infrastructure projects investments from US commercial capital. I also hope that TSI will attract investments from development banks and commercial funds from around the world, including, of course, those in Western Europe, a region that will directly benefit from Central European prosperity.
What are the prospects of developing LNG links inside TSI, what are the prospects of Ukraine which is not a member?
The development of gas infrastructure links that enable 3SI member states to access a broader diversity of energy suppliers is a clear focus of the Three Seas Initiative. This includes both LNG terminals and gas pipelines. Much progress has been made in Central Europe in this realm, but more is needed and Three Seas can help significantly drive this priority forward.
Regarding Ukraine and Moldova and countries in the Western Balkans that are not formal members of the Three Seas Initiative, it is my personal view that it is important to include them in the Three Seas vision. Indeed, the vision of an undivided and integrated Europe will never be fulfilled without them. The good news is that The Three Seas Initiative can and should include cross border projects involving these countries. But I agree more can be done to make clear that these European countries are an important element of the Three Seas vision.
Interview by Wojciech Jakóbik
Polish Briefing: The Ministry of Climate will adjust the act on the capacity market to the new emission standards
What goes on in Poland on the 23rd of July.
The coronavirus stopped coal imports in Poland
3.25 million tons – that’s how much coal Poland bought abroad in the first four months of the year. This is a huge drop in comparison to previous years – writes Karolina Baca-Pogorzelska, contributor at BiznesAlert.pl.
Polish Briefing: Launch of market screening for the new FSRU
What goes on in Poland on the 22nd of July.
Three Seas Initiative vs. Turkish Stream
By the end of 2020 Bulgaria will complete its section of the Balkan Stream. This part of the pipeline starts where the second line of the TurkStream, a twin gas pipeline running from Russia to Turkey, ends. The pipeline is to be able to deliver 15.75 bcm of gas to the Turkish and European markets each. If there is demand, the pipe will be able to deliver more. According to the investors, Balkan Stream will use its full capacity, i.e. 15.75 bcm a year. It will complement Nord Stream 1 and 2, effectively encircling Europe with pipelines delivering Russian gas – writes Teresa Wójcik, editor at BiznesAlert.pl.