As pointed out by Minister Kurtyka, while the EU continues to struggle with the considerable economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic crisis, a surge in energy (as well as gas and CO2 emission) prices impede the efforts for reconstruction.

We need all kinds of investments that may contribute to seamless transition towards low-carbon energy systems – that is why we need the solutions which will ensure transparency and stability to sustainable financing i.e. taxonomy of investments related to natural gas and nuclear energy

– he explained.

Stable nuclear energy

According to Minister Kurtyka, the 2050 target is a great challenge to Poland – departure from coal means transformation of the whole regions dependent on coal and must include the social costs.

Although the transition will be long and demanding, Poland is determined to change its energy mix, modernise the industry, subject to maintenance of competitiveness of the Polish economy. In order to achieve this goal, we must implement all available technologies, including solar, wind, hydrogen and nuclear

– he informed.

The Polish Nuclear Power Programme assumes commissioning of between 6 to 9 GW of nuclear capacity by 2043, which is equivalent to approx. 15% of production capacity in the domestic system. We also develop the project of advanced high-temperature reactors for industry purposes

– he added.

In the opinion of Minister Kurtyka, implementation of nuclear projects in the EU is impeded by lack of truly equal opportunities with the other no- and low-carbon technologies. This takes place despite of a sovereign right of the Member States to choose their own energy mix, provided that it enables implementation of the general climate objectives of the EU.

Supporting only a few selected technologies will always act to the detriment of the market as a whole. In near future, it will manifest in the form of market distortions, which will finally affect all market actors in one way or another. The decisions on inclusion of nuclear energy should be finally “de-politicised” by using the “knowledge-based approach”

- he noted.

Polish expectations towards COP26

The head of the ministry of climate and environment emphasized that Poland as the country with the record number of COP presidencies strongly believes in the benefits from multilateral cooperation and that the climate transformation is the priority of the Polish Government. In the opinion of the Minister, inclusion of nuclear energy into the mainstream policies focused on climate neutrality is of a great importance.

We welcome the actions taken by IAEA in the area of intensification of discussions on nuclear energy with a view to the upcoming COP26. We hope for pursuing these efforts and intend to participate in the events dedicated to nuclear energy during the November summit

– pointed out Minister Kurtyka.