Polish Climate Congress 2025 – business and public administration facing the challenges of green transformation

On March 25–26 2025 the Polish Climate Congress took place. Organized by the European Foundation for Sustainable Investment, the event brought together key stakeholders – representatives of governments, business, local authorities, science and NGOs – to jointly discuss the most important challenges and opportunities related to the decarbonization of the economy and the development of sustainable investments.

Congress patronage and significance

The congress was held under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, and the Ministry of Development and Technology. The event was also held under the patronage of Poland’s ongoing presidency of the Council of the European Union. The congress was opened by Senator Adam Szejnfeld, Chair of the Program Council of the Polish Climate Congress, and the inaugural speeches were delivered by Minister Marzena Czarnecka (Minister of Industry) and Secretary of State Michał Baranowski (Deputy Minister of Development and Technology).

Senator Adam Szejnfeld summarized the event by highlighting its key message: Partnership and cooperation in the green transformation process is the guiding principle of the Polish Climate Congress, which has once again confirmed its role as a key platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among representatives of science, business, public administration, and NGOs. The scale of the challenges related to our responsibility for future generations requires systemic and comprehensive actions based on knowledge and experience.

I thank all speakers for their analyses, opinions, and substantive contributions that enriched the discussion and pointed all stakeholders toward the necessary courses of action. I express my appreciation to the congress participants for their involvement, presence, and active participation in the debates. Special thanks go to the event partners for their support and for co-creating a space for constructive dialogue. I believe that the outcomes of this year’s congress will become an impulse for continued cooperation and concrete action for a sustainable and responsible future – on the local, national, and global levels.

The congress was attended by numerous distinguished guests – ministers, ambassadors, city mayors, and CEOs of key institutions and companies – emphasizing its importance as a forum for strategic discussions about the future of the European economy in the climate context.

Five thematic tracks

This year’s proceedings were divided into five main thematic tracks covering key issues:

– Industry – what should be the role of large enterprises in the green transformation and decarbonization of the economy?
– Energy – what financial mechanisms are crucial for the energy transition, and how can the development of the hydrogen economy and energy storage technologies be accelerated?
– Finance and regulation – how can legal regulations and the public procurement system support green investments?
– Local government investments – how can governments support local authorities in achieving ambitious climate goals?
– Technology – how to effectively cooperate at the intersection of the public and private sectors, and what innovative solutions can accelerate climate neutrality?

Key issues

During 33 discussion panels, experts addressed crucial topics related to the green transformation. Central to the discussions were questions about effective cooperation between the public and private sectors, the role of governments in supporting local authorities, and regulatory and financial barriers to green investments. Discussions also covered energy security and cybersecurity in the context of industrial and energy transformation.

Paweł Łączkowski, Counsel at White & Case, summarized that the key to successful energy transition in Poland will not be competition, but cooperation and synchronization of different technologies and energy sources.

The slogans accompanying the discussion panels included: #EUcompetitiveness, #deregulation and #omnibus, #CleanIndustrialDeal, as well as #energysecurity and #cybersecurity.

The question of the future of green transformation takes on new meaning in the face of dynamic changes on the global political stage. Until recently, it was seen as a driver of innovation, investment, and economic prosperity. Today, however, geopolitical tensions, rising resource costs, energy security, and the pace of regulatory implementation are influencing the direction and speed of change. Dr. Anita Rodkiewicz-Ryżek from Santander Leasing, a strategic partner of the Polish Climate Congress, responded to this issue: I believe that today hardly anyone doubts that the green transformation is not slowing down – though it sometimes takes a sharp turn, and it is precisely there – in those turns – that it’s easiest to go off track or overtake the competition. It all depends on who’s behind the wheel and whether they know where they truly want to go.

The question of the influence of global politics on the growth of the green economy is becoming more pressing – especially now, as geopolitics, energy security, and regulatory pace exert strong pressure on the transformation, which until recently was the main engine of innovation, investment, and growth. The energy transition is not just an environmental goal, but a comprehensive economic, social, and geopolitical project. A roadmap is not enough – we also need fuel, and that fuel is capital, trust, and predictability.

Europe still has a chance to lead globally, but only if no one is left behind – not Silesia, not the SME sector, and not consumers. As the person responsible for developing green finance at Santander Bank Polska and Santander Leasing, I can say one thing: the money for the transformation is there. We have tools, instruments, and capabilities. We need just one more thing – the courage to act. You can’t lead a transformation with the handbrake on, in the form of uncertainty, legislative chaos, or lack of dialogue. But if dialogue among all participants continues, we can not only survive the curve but also change the entire route that the European economy is taking.

Regarding the competitiveness of Polish companies and their role in this process, I believe we are at a crossroads: we can either remain subcontractors in Europe’s green revolution or become full participants – and for that, we need modern financial instruments, efficient support mechanisms, and public-private partnership. Investment reality often falters not on high politics, but on minor systemic absurdities that cause good projects to lose funding and investors to lose patience. We need a coherent, predictable policy, a unified grid connection system, shortened administrative paths, and realistic project schedules. These are not just slogans – they are the concrete conditions that will determine the pace and effectiveness of the green transformation. Without them, the process will be significantly harder and slower, and its full potential may not be realized – summarized Dr. Anita Rodkiewicz-Ryżek from Santander Leasing.

Local governments play a crucial role in accelerating the green transformation, as decisions affecting air quality, renewable energy development, and energy efficiency are made at the local level. An example of such commitment is the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, which has been implementing climate protection and air quality improvement initiatives for years. As highlighted by the Mazowieckie Voivodeship authorities: Marshal Adam Struzik stated that the Mazowieckie Voivodeship has long supported actions to protect the climate and air. In addition to the new “Mazovia without smog” project, the regional government is implementing two support programs for county and municipal governments: “Mazovia for clean air” and “Mazovia for the climate.” This year, over PLN 20 million will be allocated to these programs, including PLN 7.6 million for “Mazovia for clean air.” So far, more than PLN 72 million has been allocated to this program, which was recognized by the European Committee of the Regions as an example of best practice implemented in EU countries to improve environmental conditions.

Clean Industrial Deal and cross-sector innovation

A key topic was the Clean Industrial Deal – a concept of EU industrial policy aimed at supporting European companies in transitioning to low-emission technologies and enhancing global competitiveness. The discussion also covered the impact of deregulation on green economy development and new business models that can accelerate the implementation of innovative solutions, such as virtual power plants or distributed energy storage.

Decarbonization is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity that affects all aspects of the economy – from energy, through industry, to transport and construction. For this process to be effective, it is not enough to replace fossil fuels with renewables. A comprehensive approach is essential, including electrification of key sectors and increased energy efficiency. This is a global, European, and national challenge that requires coordinated action at all levels.

As noted by Aleksandra Stępniak, Public Affairs Manager at VELUX Polska: What lies ahead is inevitable – decarbonization and transformation of the entire economy, from a global, European, and Polish perspective. To carry out this change effectively, we must act across all sectors simultaneously. Energy transformation is often thought of only in terms of shifting the energy mix toward renewables. Nothing could be further from the truth. We cannot achieve this without first electrifying buildings, industry, and transport, and above all – without improving energy efficiency. Let’s start with buildings – they consume about 40% of energy and emit around 38% of CO₂. Decarbonizing this sector will significantly contribute to transforming the entire economy. Above all, we must improve the energy efficiency of buildings – about 70% still operate at very low efficiency levels. Buildings with much lower energy needs can be heated with efficient, low-temperature district heating networks – so we also need a simultaneous shift in the heating sector. Heat pumps may be another solution, but to connect more and more devices to the electricity grid, we must first modernize it. We thus have three interlinked sectors that must be transformed simultaneously.

Industry is another piece of the puzzle – to decarbonize construction effectively, all stakeholders in the sector must participate – building materials and equipment manufacturers, developers, contractors, and all their business partners and suppliers. The transformation of the economy’s energy system is undoubtedly a huge challenge, which is why holistic, long-term thinking is key to executing this process effectively, cost-efficiently, and in a socially just way.

Green transformation in transport

The green transformation also includes transportation. Efforts are being made to electrify rail lines, replace combustion-powered vehicles with electric or hydrogen trains, and improve the energy efficiency of railway systems. Developing rail as an alternative to road and air transport is crucial for reducing CO₂ emissions, as trains emit far less pollution per passenger than cars or planes. Moreover, investments in rail infrastructure, such as modern tracks, traffic control systems, and innovative technologies, help reduce noise and environmental impacts of transportation.

As Dr. Alan Beroud, President of the Board at PKP, emphasized: Rail should and already does play an increasingly important role in countries pursuing sustainable development. As one of the lowest-emission and therefore most environmentally friendly modes of transport, it should be expanded so that its share in the overall transport “pie” increases relative to other modes. This development, however, requires the right conditions: the creation and adjustment of legal frameworks, provision of stable funding sources including investment capital, and increased competitiveness through process improvement and digitalization. Green transport is one of the EU’s top priorities for the coming years. As the PKP Group, we are planning and implementing numerous solutions related to improving railway energy efficiency. We cooperate closely with other players in the rail sector and public administration, and we act globally at the international level, for example by engaging in the work of international organizations representing the entire industry – emphasized Dr. Alan Beroud, CEO of PKP S.A.

Europe’s energy transformation is accelerating, driven by both the climate crisis and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. For Poland, whose energy sector has relied on coal for decades, this presents a particular challenge requiring strategic decisions and new technological solutions. In this context, the potential of geothermal energy is increasingly being discussed as a stable and renewable source of thermal energy.

Collaboration as the key to success

During the congress, it was repeatedly emphasized that a crucial factor in the success of the transformation is close cooperation between public administration, business, and the scientific sector. Joint efforts in financing green investments, creating stable regulatory frameworks, and implementing new technologies can not only accelerate emission reductions but also increase the competitiveness of European enterprises in the global market.

The Polish Climate Congress was made possible thanks to the support of partners: ORLEN S.A., Enea Group, ORLEN Synthos Green Energy, Deloitte, White & Case SA, GESSEL Attorneys at law, WiseEuropa, Polish Power Exchange, Arcadis, VELUX, Leroy Merlin, Veolia Term, PySENSE, DB ENERGY SA, AMS SMART OOH, Holcim Polska, PKP S.A., Marshal’s Office of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship in Warsaw, Endress+Hauser Group, Santander Leasing Polska, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Bank Ochrony Środowiska S.A., Nextbike Polska S.A., Saint-Gobain Poland, Goodvalley, Steady Energy and other partners.

An increasing number of companies from various sectors of the economy are recognizing the value of actively participating in the Polish Climate Congress – an event that is becoming a platform for real dialogue, experience exchange, and the promotion of best practices supporting the green transformation. A shared space for conversations between business, administration, and the academic community fosters the building of partnerships and the search for innovative solutions that can accelerate the decarbonization process. Participation in the congress is also an opportunity to showcase one’s own climate actions and to inspire others to take ambitious yet necessary steps toward a sustainable future.

Przemysław Kubaszewski, Industry Manager at Endress+Hauser Polska, one of the strategic partners of the event, emphasized – I’m glad that there is increasing discussion about making the transformation pathway more realistic, especially where it’s the most difficult – for example, in the production of fertilizers, cement, or steel, which form the foundation of Europe’s economic security. When pursuing climate goals, we must not forget that we do not live in a vacuum – it may turn out that other economies, especially those outside of Europe, may be playing the same game but by entirely different rules.

Energy Transformation Leaders Gala

The Polish Climate Congress is a perfect opportunity to popularize investments related to the energy transformation. The event is not only a space for debate and experience exchange, but also offers a chance to have a real impact on the direction of change in the energy sector. A key element of the Congress is the thematic track called the New Energy Forum, during which experts, industry leaders, and representatives of public administration discuss innovative solutions and strategies accelerating the green transformation. Since its inception, the Congress has also included the evening Energy Transformation Leaders Gala, during which the most innovative and scalable projects related to climate and environmental protection – as well as those capable of accelerating Poland’s green transition – are honored.

Awards as a driving force for the green transformation

Recognizing the best projects and investments plays a crucial role in spreading knowledge and inspiring other entities to undertake similar actions. Awarded initiatives gain recognition that translates into increased interest from investors and financial institutions, contributing to the scaling of ecological ventures. The Energy Transformation Leaders Gala is also a place where enterprises can exchange experiences and establish strategic partnerships.

Awarded projects of 2025

Clean Cities – Hydrogen Mobility in Poland (ORLEN Group)

The ORLEN Group was awarded for its flagship program “Clean Cities,” which aims to build a complete hydrogen fuel value chain for transportation. The project includes the construction of infrastructure for the production, distribution, and refueling of renewable hydrogen for passenger cars, trucks, and city buses.

As part of the program, hydrogen fuel deliveries have already been launched for public transport in Poznań, and a hydrogen refueling station has been opened in Katowice. ORLEN plans to build 27 publicly available hydrogen stations in Poland, contributing to the development of a low-emission economy. The program received €76 million in funding under the EU’s “Connecting Europe Facility,” the largest grant in the program’s history for hydrogen projects.

Ecoplanet Cement by Holcim

Ecoplanet Cement is an innovative product by Holcim Polska, marking a breakthrough in the construction industry. By using 10 percent recycled concrete material and reducing CO₂ emissions by 40 percent per ton of cement, this project contributes significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. As the second most commonly used resource after water, cement plays a vital role in infrastructure – making its eco-friendly version a meaningful factor in the sustainable development of cities.

Green guarantees by KUKE

KUKE, a financial institution, was recognized for introducing green guarantees that support financing for the green transformation. These innovative financial instruments enable entrepreneurs to implement eco-friendly projects while minimizing investment risk. The guarantees cover both the financing of renewable energy source investments and the timely repayment of obligations related to climate protection activities.

Decarbonization program by Veolia Term

The Veolia Group was awarded for its comprehensive decarbonization program, which includes the modernization of district heating systems and improvements in energy efficiency in Polish cities. Veolia’s projects involve technologies based on renewable energy sources, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Cross-sector and scalable projects

One of the awarded projects was the replacement of gas with biomass at the VELUX factory in Gniezno, which manufactures metal and plastic components for roof windows. The new biomass boiler plant is a groundbreaking investment for the facility, covering not only work directly related to the boiler house but also a range of supporting infrastructure activities. The factory has entirely eliminated gas usage, replacing it with biomass, which now heats all production halls and the office building in an environmentally friendly way.

Another awarded initiative was the “Clean Energy” project by the Polish Power Exchange, which supports the development of renewable energy sources by introducing new market indices for this sector.

Arcadis was also recognized for the “Łódź Climate Package,” an adaptive policy tool developed for the city of Łódź to address climate change. The program includes the identification of potential risks stemming from climate change, the responsible planning of long-term adaptation actions, and the management of their effects. Thanks to support at the EU, national, and regional levels, these actions can be financed while also building multidimensional cooperation and public participation in achieving adaptation goals.

The awards granted as part of the Energy Transformation Leaders Gala highlight the importance of innovative projects for the future of the economy. Promoting best practices and rewarding pioneering solutions stimulates competition in the market, encouraging other enterprises to take similar steps.

Summary

The Polish Climate Congress 2025 showed that Poland and Central-Northern Europe have enormous potential to become leaders in the green transformation. Stable regulations, innovative financing approaches, and openness to new technologies are the foundations that can drive the development of a sustainable economy in the coming years. The key now is to translate these ambitious discussions into concrete actions – both at the national and European levels.

Source: press release from the Polish Climate Congress