Energy security and the challenges of the transition within the climate and energy sector

Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa drew attention to the particular geopolitical situation in which Europe is currently operating.

The only answer to threats can be unity, solidarity and cooperation. These are the values that Poland and Germany have jointly declared during today's meeting

– she stressed.

The head of the Ministry for Climate and Environment pointed out that both Poland and Germany, despite having a different economic potential, face similar challenges related to the economic and social aspects of energy transformation (i.e., among other things, restructuring of regions so far based on the coal industry).

In Poland, we are currently facing a massive transformation that will result in an almost new electricity system, heating and transportation transformation over the next 20 years. The goal of this transformation is not only to increase respect for the environment and climate, but also to give a boost to the economy, stimulating domestic industry and innovation, while simultaneously ensuring social acceptance.

– she explained.

We need to ensure equitable conditions for transformation in regions most vulnerable to the burdens that transformation may bring about

– she added.

Minister Moskwa pointed out that although the energy transition is a challenge, it also creates opportunities for development. She also pointed to the increasingly dynamic development of renewable energy sources in Poland, primarily small and medium-sized photovoltaic installations, onshore wind farms, and in the near future also offshore wind farms.

Development of offshore wind energy is one of the points of contact for both countries and one of the pillars of the Polish energy transition. According to our plans, offshore installed capacity is expected to reach 11 GW in 2040

– she informed.

In turn, Steffi Lemke, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany pointed out that energy security issues are not only about power production, but also about transmission and storage.

In this area we see common goals and a chance for real cooperation between Germany and Poland on both national and regional levels

– she said.

Polish-German environmental cooperation

During the conversation with the Federal Minister of the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of Germany, Minister Anna Moskwa emphasized that Germany is an important partner for Poland.

We greatly appreciate our regional cooperation on energy and environmental issues. In this respect, it is not only about activity on the central level from Warsaw or Berlin, but also in the border regions. Many examples of cooperation between Polish voivodeships and German federal states in the field of energy and climate are worth mentioning

– she remarked.

According to Minister Moskwa, cooperation between the two countries in the climate and environmental aspects is also part of the discussions currently taking place within the European Union.

Although our positions in this debate sometimes differ, as exemplified by our different approaches to the future of nuclear power, we see great potential for cooperation in achieving common goals

– she pointed out.

The forestry sector is an important part of the economy in both our countries. No less important is the handling of endangered species. We can certainly introduce wolf conservation projects together

– she added.

As Minister Anna Moskwa added, an effective forum for cooperation between the two countries is the Polish-German Council for Environmental Protection, whose next meeting is scheduled for July of this year.

I look forward to continued cooperation in this format and to discussing such topics as: issues of  environmental impact assessment in a transboundary context, biodiversity and the protection of Baltic waters.

- she listed.

It is also very important to intensify joint dialogue on flood control investments on the border sections of the Oder River. Nature conservation aspects and flood safety of the region's residents should also be considered at the same time

– she remarked.