As part of the summit, a plenary session on “Polish energy policy – EU priorities vs. Polish strategic objectives” was held, during which Minister Henryk Kowalczyk referred to the objective of achieving climate neutrality.

“The share of coal and natural gas – emission-generating fuels – is significant in Poland, but in line with the energy strategy, its share in the energy mix will decrease. This is a direction that will be supported by the Ministry of Environment, because without reducing said share, we will not be able to achieve the goal of climate neutrality,” said Minister Kowalczyk. 

As he added there are several possibilities to achieve this goal. “First, it requires reducing the share of emission-generating fuels, and secondly, we need to redouble our efforts aimed at increasing our carbon dioxide absorption capacities, focusing on the role of growing new forests.”

During the debate, Minister Kowalczyk also summed up the COP24 summit, which took place in December 2018 in Katowice.

“The COP24 climate summit in Katowice was a double success – both in terms of its organisation, as well as negotiations. It is not easy to adopt a joint declaration unanimously with nearly 200 countries participating in the talks. Despite great emotions, we managed to reach an agreement regarding such a declaration and COP24 concluded with the adoption of the Katowice Rulebook, which implements the Paris Agreement,” Minister Kowalczyk pointed out.

“2019 Polish Energy Sector Amber Award”

During the National Energy Summit, Vice-Minister Michał Kurtyka was presented with the 2019 Polish Energy Sector Amber Award. This award is given to persons, institutions or companies for special activities in the field of development and safety of the Polish economy, as well as energy sector in Poland and abroad.

The President of COP24 Michał Kurtyka received a distinction for his effective leadership of the Polish Presidency. The Jury also appreciated his personal involvement in the finalisation of the international agreement – the Katowice Rulebook – which obliges all countries of the world to pool their efforts in order to save our climate.