MINEX Forum

Region: Poland

  • Poland issues environmental permit for first nuclear power plant

    Poland issues environmental permit for first nuclear power plant

    PEJ, the Polish government company that is progressing its policy to deploy up to six reactors at multiple sites in the country by 2040, submitted the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the first plant to GDOŚ on 29 March 2022. GDOŚ is an expert institution responsible for environmental protection and control of the investment process.

    The EIA report examined the environmental impact of constructing and operating a plant with a generating capacity of up to 3750 MWe in the area of ​​the municipalities of Choczewo, Gniewino and Korkowa in the province of Pomerania. PEJ said the final EIA report complied with the provisions of the decision of GDOŚ, which in 2016 defined the scope of the environmental report in relation to the considered location variants and their technical sub-options, as well as in relation to the infrastructure accompanying the power plant.

    The draft decision was reviewed by the Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia, the State Sanitary Inspector for the Pomorskie Voivodeship, the Director of the Regional Board of Water Management in Gdańsk of the State Water Holding Wody Polskie, the President of the Polish National Atomic Energy Agency, and the Minister of Climate and Environment.

    GDOŚ has now issued its final decision, which PEJ said is “a key permit obtained in the investment process, as subsequent administrative approvals, including the location decision and the construction permit, must be consistent with the terms and conditions contained in the decision on environmental conditions”.

    The obtained decision on environmental conditions determines the site variant for the first nuclear power plant in Poland, at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in the Choczewo municipality. It also defines the conditions of using the environment at the stage of development and operation of the facility, requirements concerning the environment protection necessary to be included in the design documentation, requirements for counteracting the effects of industrial accidents, and it also imposes an obligation of the reassessment of environmental impact, as part of the procedure for issuing the construction permit.

    The decision was preceded by national and transboundary consultations with 14 countries that applied for participation in this procedure. The national consultations, held from 20 July to 18 August 2023, included all residents of Poland, who could review the documentation and submit their comments and conclusions. The transboundary consultations were held from September 2022 until July 2023. As part of the procedure, relevant protocols were signed with all the countries involved, including four protocols signed after intergovernmental expert meetings held under Article 5 of the Espoo Convention, which contributed to closing the process within the assumed timeframe.

    “The issued decision on environmental conditions is one of the most important stages in the permitting process and brings us significantly closer to the start of the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Poland,” said PEJ President Mateusz Berger. “It defines the conditions that must be met in order to execute a nuclear investment project in compliance with environmental regulations and requirements on both the national and international level.”

    PEJ – a special-purpose vehicle 100% owned by the State Treasury – has already obtained a decision-in-principle issued by the Ministry of Climate and Environment confirming that the company’s investment is in line with the energy policy implemented by the state. In August, it applied to the head of the Pomeranian Voivodeship for a location decision for the plant.

    The Polish government selected the Westinghouse AP1000 reactor technology for construction at Lubiatowo-Kopalino in Pomerania in November 2022.

    Westinghouse and Bechtel have just signed a formal agreement to partner on the design and construction of the plant. They expect to sign an engineering services contract with PEJ within the next week.

  • Poland proposes ban on Russian diamonds, LPG in new sanctions package

    Poland proposes ban on Russian diamonds, LPG in new sanctions package

    In a proposal brought forth on Monday, Poland has put forth suggestions for new European Union sanctions against Russia in light of its invasion of Ukraine. The proposal, obtained by Reuters, advocates for a ban on Russian diamonds and Liquid Petroleum Gas as part of the sanctions. Additionally, Poland calls for aligning the sanctions against Belarus with those against Moscow.

    According to the proposal, Poland recommends prohibiting the importation of Russian diamonds, which accounted for a substantial $4.5 billion in revenue for the Russian budget in 2021. The document further suggests implementing individual sanctions specifically targeting the Russian diamond company, Alrosa (ALRS.MM). The Polish paper highlights that Alrosa has been providing support to the Russian military forces and facilitating their engagement in the war in Ukraine, both directly and indirectly, over an extended period.

    The proposal also emphasizes the need for the European Union to expand the scope of sanctions beyond diamonds and Liquid Petroleum Gas. Poland suggests that the EU should impose a ban on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services provided to entities from Russia. This would encompass computer software, cybersecurity services, and other ICT/IT services. By restricting these services, the EU would exert additional pressure on Russia and send a clear message regarding its actions.

    It is worth noting that the European Union has already implemented eleven sanctions packages against Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The proposal from Poland seeks to further strengthen these measures and ensure a coordinated approach in dealing with both Russia and Belarus.

    As discussions continue within the European Union, the outcome of this proposal remains to be seen. However, the proactive stance taken by Poland underscores the commitment of member states to address the ongoing crisis and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

  • Polish main opposition seeks green push after October election

    Polish main opposition seeks green push after October election

    Poland’s largest opposition party, Civic Platform (PO), harbors ambitious plans to expedite the country’s departure from coal if it emerges victorious in the fiercely contested upcoming election. At present, Poland heavily relies on coal for electricity generation, resulting in exorbitant power prices within Europe and a substantial carbon footprint. Such circumstances could impede the nation’s ability to attract environmentally friendly projects and export energy-intensive goods, such as steel. PO envisions a radical transformation, aiming to transition from coal to wind and solar as the primary sources of Polish electricity by the decade’s end.

    Grzegorz Onichimowski, a former CEO of the Polish power exchange and a member of the team shaping PO’s energy program, emphasizes the urgency of establishing renewable energy sources as the bedrock of Poland’s energy system. The party sets its sights on achieving between 65% and 70% of the country’s energy production from renewable sources by 2030.

    At present, coal accounts for roughly 70% of Poland’s electricity generation. PO’s energy plan, with the support of potential coalition partners from smaller left-wing and centrist groups, entails measures like unbundling state-controlled power utilities to facilitate grid access for renewable capacity. Furthermore, the party plans to loosen regulations for constructing new onshore wind farms, thereby bolstering capacity and replacing outdated turbines with more efficient ones.

    PO opposes the current government’s strategy of establishing a new state-owned company for coal-fired power plants, instead favoring the utilization of coal plants with the shortest lifespan and lowest profitability as a reserve pool for the power grid.

    While polls generally indicate that the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) and its allies maintain a lead in the election race, the margin is narrow enough that PO, in collaboration with smaller parties, could potentially form a majority coalition. However, the implementation of its energy policy would require overcoming resistance from influential trade unions and potential presidential vetoes from PiS-aligned President Andrzej Duda.

    Although renewable energy garners broad support among the Polish populace, the election’s primary focus remains on economic concerns, encompassing double-digit inflation and escalating energy prices. Nevertheless, the opposition may capitalize on the argument that transitioning to renewables can alleviate the cost of living.

    Poland’s coal industry employs nearly 76,000 individuals, and the government has committed to sustaining coal mining until 2049. However, coal production is dwindling, leading to increased costs and reduced power generation. Embracing renewables could not only reduce energy bills but also yield savings in fuel and emission expenses.

    Moreover, Poland’s competitiveness in attracting foreign industrial investments may be at stake. As companies increasingly prioritize environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria, the availability of renewable power for production facilities is emerging as a pivotal factor. Therefore, Poland’s commitment to a more sustainable energy transition may prove indispensable in securing investments from companies seeking cleaner energy sources.

  • Poland has no plans to quickly cease hard coal production: Minister of State Assets

    Poland has no plans to quickly cease hard coal production: Minister of State Assets

    Both the Polish government and the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party have confirmed that they do not intend to accelerate the phase-out of hard coal production in Poland, according to Jacek Sasin, the Polish state assets minister. Sasin emphasized that there is a social agreement in place, outlining the gradual reduction of coal mining by 2049. He also stated that there are no plans to expedite the country’s transition away from coal.

    Sasin’s remarks came after a meeting with a group of signatories of the social contract related to the future of hard coal in Poland. He clarified that the government is committed to fully implementing the social agreement and aims to address any doubts or questions that have arisen.

    Poland remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, and is opposed to accelerating the EU’s green agenda. The country argues that it needs more time to transition to green energy sources due to the legacies of the pre-1989 communist regime, which promoted coal mining and coal-fired power plants.

    In April, the European Parliament approved key legislation as part of the Fit for 55 in 2030 package, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

    The Polish coal mining industry employs approximately 75,000 people, and powerful mining unions exert significant influence on energy policy in the country.

    Additionally, Poland’s development minister, Waldemar Buda, expressed hope that the current lower house of parliament would address a bill to establish a new state-owned company that would take ownership of coal-fired assets from energy firms after the upcoming general election. This new state agency, the National Energy Security Agency (NABE), is intended to free energy companies from their polluting assets, making them more attractive to investors. The country is set to hold elections on October 15, and Buda hoped that the lower house could overrule an upper house veto on state guarantees for NABE before the new post-election parliament convenes.

    On September 7, the Senate, the upper house, voted against a bill related to state guarantees for NABE.

  • Five miners were found in the Pniówek mine

    Five miners were found in the Pniówek mine

    Rescue teams have successfully located five out of the seven miners who went missing during the incident at the Pniówek mine, owned by Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa, in April of the previous year. According to the company’s statement, these five miners were discovered in the N-12 longwall area, situated behind the entrance to the N-6 longwall. The challenging conditions of the operation mean that it will take approximately 24 hours to transport these found miners to the surface.

    Efforts were also made to access the N-6 longwall, where the remaining two missing miners were believed to be located. Unfortunately, it was determined that the conditions within the wall did not allow for a safe rescue operation. Following the transportation of the found miners, the area of the wall will be secured again.

    To reach the position of the two remaining missing miners, an additional excavation (one or two cuts) will be made from the N-9 ramp to the N-6 wall. Preparing and executing this next step may take up to a month. Thus far, a total of 61 rescue teams have been involved in the operation, including 16 teams from CSRG.

    It is important to note that the initial methane explosion in the Pniówek mine occurred on April 20, just 12 minutes past midnight, during the mining activity near the N-11 road. At that time, there were 42 workers in the affected zone, including 16 in the vicinity of the N-6 wall. While 39 employees were able to evacuate during the operation, three individuals remained trapped within the wall. Three rescue teams were dispatched to their aid. Unfortunately, at approximately 3:10 a.m., a second methane explosion occurred, leaving seven people still within the danger zone.

    On April 21, at 7:40 p.m., yet another methane explosion transpired. The rescue operation concluded on May 2 at 7:43. Tragically, as a result of these methane explosions, nine employees lost their lives, seven sustained severe injuries, and 26 experienced temporary incapacitation. Furthermore, seven workers were unaccounted for within the isolated N-6 wall.

  • Poland’s JSW has no plans for acquisitions on energy market

    Poland’s JSW has no plans for acquisitions on energy market

    Polish miner JSW will focus on increasing the extraction of coking coal, and does not plan on expansion through energy company acquisitions, CEO Tomasz Cudny said on Thursday.

    “Today our actions are directed to increase extraction of our type of coal, we’re speaking of coking coal. When it comes to the energy market, we are not planning any acquisitions,” said Cudny on a conference call.

    Cudny’s comments that the company plans to focus on boosting coking coal extraction, which is used in steelmaking, follow a fire in one of its mines in March, which prompted it to cut its 2023 production output forecast by 250,000 tons.

    In November, it forecast production of 14 million tons this year. In the first six months, JSW produced 6.7 million tons.

    On Wednesday, the company reported second-quarter coking coal production edged up 1.4% to 2.7 million tonnes from the prior quarter, while revenue from sales to external recipients slumped to 1.87 billion zlotys ($436.74 million) from 2.16 billion in the first quarter.

    Net profit in the second-quarter fell 67% to 780.6 million zlotys from the prior year, with core profit tumbling to 3.33 billion zlotys versus 5.97 billion zlotys in the same period last year.

    Members of the management board pointed out on the call that last year’s results had benefited from favourable macroeconomic conditions, including a spike in the price of coal after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    “We had used that moment and the effects could be seen in our results from the year 2022,” Cudny said.

  • Poland extracts key metal needed for energy evolution, looks for rare earths abroad

    Poland extracts key metal needed for energy evolution, looks for rare earths abroad

    “Copper is the driving force behind the energy revolution and a crucial strategic resource. Without it, the energy transformation is not possible,” emphasized Tomasz Zdzikot, CEO of KGHM Polska Miedź, during the XXXII Economic Forum in Karpacz. Poland is also actively engaged in geological explorations in Mongolia to locate deposits of rare earth elements.

    Zdzikot participated in a panel discussion titled “Raw Materials of the Future – Which Raw Materials Should Poland Extract.” He highlighted the significance of “The State Raw Materials Policy 2050,” a strategic document accepted by the government last year, which identifies critical resources for Poland.

    The CEO of KGHM stressed that copper plays a pivotal role in the energy revolution. He pointed out that the US Energy Department added copper to its list of strategic raw materials in August, signaling a projected doubling of global copper demand by 2035. Additionally, copper is classified as a strategic raw material in the European Union.

    Zdzikot underlined the copper requirements for green technologies, noting that an electric car necessitates 150 kilograms of copper, while a 3MW wind turbine requires nearly 5 tons of the metal.

    He also emphasized KGHM’s role in ensuring Poland’s raw material security, highlighting that 50 percent of the EU’s total copper output comes from copper extraction in Poland’s Lower Silesia. Furthermore, KGHM is recognized as the world’s second-largest producer of silver.

    In the same discussion panel, Poland’s chief geologist, Piotr Dziadzio, disclosed the country’s geological work in Mongolia to locate rare earth element deposits. These geological surveys are conducted in collaboration with the local geological service.

    Dziadzio noted that various countries have established strategies for identifying rare earth element deposits, which are expected to yield benefits in the long run. He emphasized the need for transparent partnerships and community engagement in mining these minerals, ensuring they are not perceived as a form of colonialism.

    Furthermore, Dziadzio indicated that Poland has proposals for additional cooperation on rare earth element projects, including one in the Dominican Republic.

  • Help us to enable positive transformation for Ukrainian Refugees in Poland

    Help us to enable positive transformation for Ukrainian Refugees in Poland

    The MINEX Europe Forum is dedicated to more than just sharing knowledge and industry meetings. It’s about making a tangible, positive impact on the communities it touches.

    Over 1.5 million Ukrainian war refugees currently are living in Poland.

    As we plan the 7th MINEX Europe Forum scheduled for 17-19 October 2023 in Wroclaw, we’re committed to fostering change through the empowerment of 150 Ukrainian refugees living in Lower Silesia. Displaced from their homes due to conflict and uncertainty, these individuals seek solace and hope in Poland. Unfortunately, returning to their homeland remains uncertain as the war in Ukraine rages on. Among these refugees are women, the elderly, youth, and children, all striving to adapt to their new lives. The role of charitable missions in providing support cannot be overstated.

    The global response to the Ukrainian crisis has been heartening. Since the start of the invasion in February 2022, unprecedented levels of global support have been extended to Ukraine and its people. Despite this, many charitable organisations are facing “attention fatigue”, and there’s a noticeable reduction in humanitarian aid.

    Recognising this, the MINEX Europe Forum has partnered with the Foundation Ukraine non-profit organisation to address this concern directly. Our mission is ambitious yet concrete: to raise €25,000 to facilitate the comprehensive adaptation and integration of Ukrainian refugees and migrants in Lower Silesia. Advantix Ltd, the Founding Organiser of MINEX Europe Forum, has pledged €5,000 towards this endeavour. We now call upon you, our community, to contribute and make a lasting impact.

    Join us in this journey of transformation, and let’s create a brighter future for Ukrainians in Lower Silesia. Your contribution, regardless of its size, carries immense weight in this endeavour.

    Donate before 1 October.

    Help us to raise 20,000 Euro. Donate as little or as much as you can.
    We would be grateful if you could share this fundraising call with your colleagues and social media.

    Read more about our join campaign[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Court suspends case against Poland’s Turów coal mine

    Court suspends case against Poland’s Turów coal mine

    The decision, which allows the mine to continue operating for the time being, was welcomed by the Polish government. However, the environmental groups that brought the case have expressed disappointment that the proceedings will drag on further.

    It marks the latest twist in a long-running legal battle over the mine, which has also drawn in Poland’s neighbours, the Czech Republic and Germany, whose borders are close to Turów.

    The provincial administrative court in Warsaw had yesterday been due to rule on the environmental decision that granted Turów, an open pit brown coal mine that feeds a nearby power station, a concession to operate until 2044.

    Instead, the court suspended the case because parallel proceedings before the General Directorate for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) regarding an application from the mine’s owner – state-owned energy firm PGE – to amend the environmental decision have not been concluded.

    The judge noted that PGE recently withdrew its bid to amend the environmental decision, which led GDOŚ to discontinue proceedings. However, she stressed that, until the discontinuation becomes final and binding, the administrative court cannot rule on the legality of the permit.

    This development was welcomed by government figures, who argue that the mine and power plant in Turów are essential for Poland’s energy security.

    “The fight for Turow continues,” wrote climate minister Anna Moskwa. State assets minister Jacek Sasin called it “a key decision for Poland’s energy security”, adding that “the functioning of the mine is not threatened and the mining concession is valid until 2044”.

    Even before the ruling was issued, Moskwa had insisted that the mine would remain open whatever happened. “Obviously, regardless of this ruling and decision – because we have different experiences – Turow will not be closed. We will defend energy security,” she told Polskie Radio.

    A lawyer from one of the environmental groups that has challenged the legality of the environmental decision, Agnieszka Stupkiewicz of Frank Bold, admitted that the court had no choice but to suspend proceedings.

    However, she criticised the “scandalous” behaviour GDOŚ, saying that the agency had not kept parties in the case nor the administrative court informed of PGE’s decision to withdraw its bid to amend the environmental decision.

    Her group and other climate organisations from Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany brought their case against the environmental decision last year, arguing that there were a number of shortcomings in how it was reached, including a failure to take account of the mine’s impact on the climate.

    In July, the provincial administrative court in Warsaw ordered the environmental permit to be provisionally suspended ahead of a final ruling, finding that there is a risk of significant environmental damage.

    That decision was, however, later overturned by the Supreme Administrative Court. It meant that the mine was allowed to continue functioning until a final ruling on the environmental decision is issued by the Warsaw court.

    Meanwhile, yesterday’s decision by the court to suspend proceedings was welcomed PGE’s CEO, Wojciech Dąbrowski, who said that “Turów mine and power plant will remain one of Poland’s most important sources of energy for at least 20 years”.

    “From the very beginning, we have not recognised the legitimacy of any allegations made against the environmental decision on the Turów mine,” he added.

    His comments come just a day after PGE presented a new strategy to become carbon neutral by 2040, including abandoning the use of coal by 2030. That will be achieved in part by a government plan to transfer energy firm’s coal assets to a single, separate entity.

     

     

  • Metinvest Group Invests in Polish Logistics Center to Boost Ukrainian Metal Exports

    Metinvest Group Invests in Polish Logistics Center to Boost Ukrainian Metal Exports

    In a recent interview with leading Polish business publication Business Insider, CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov unveiled Metinvest mining and metallurgical group’s plans to invest in a logistics center in Poland. The objective behind this investment is to enhance the supply of Ukrainian metal products for export.

    Ryzhenkov revealed that Zaporizhstal and Kamet Steel, two subsidiaries of Metinvest, are currently operating at 65-70% and 75% of their respective capacities. Approximately 25% of their products are sold within the domestic market, while the majority is exported, primarily to European Union countries. Notably, neighboring nations such as Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria are significant destinations for these steel products. The company also caters to customers in countries like Italy, Germany, and France.

    Ryzhenkov acknowledged that steel mills are faring relatively well in terms of sales. However, iron ore enterprises face different challenges. Aside from serving domestic consumption, China was a key buyer. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, exports to China are nearly impossible as Black Sea ports are blocked. Consequently, EU border countries remain as buyers. Iron ore enterprises are currently operating at 35-40% of their capacity. Efforts were made to send raw materials to China through Romanian and Polish ports, but the logistics economics proved unviable in the current market conditions.

    Ryzhenkov pointed out that the company’s coal production in Ukraine is operating at full capacity. The coal is supplied to Metinvest’s coking enterprises within Ukraine and is also sold in the local market. Exports, mainly to Slovakia and Poland, account for the remaining portion.

    The CEO also mentioned that Metinvest’s 2022 steel production decreased by 69% compared to the previous year, significantly impacting various financial indicators, with profits in 2022 down by 54% compared to the prior year.

    Despite these challenges, Metinvest’s overarching strategy remains unchanged. The company aims to integrate Ukraine and its iron ore resources into the European steel production chain. Consequently, Metinvest continues to seek opportunities to acquire assets that facilitate the utilization of Ukraine’s raw materials to produce goods in the EU and supply them to European consumers.