Polish Climate Congress 2025: critical infrastructure security and Europe’s competitiveness

The green transformation will redefine Europe’s economies for decades. However, the key question remains whether the new energy model will ensure the security of critical infrastructure without weakening the region’s competitiveness. During the Polish Climate Congress 2025 in Warsaw, business leaders and government officials will address this challenge by analyzing the impact of decarbonization on the stability of energy systems and the future of key economic sectors.

In an era of growing geopolitical tensions and increasingly frequent disruptions in global supply chains, strategic security of critical infrastructure is becoming the foundation of stable economic growth. As one of the key energy market players in Central and Eastern Europe, Poland faces crucial decisions regarding the shape of its energy mix and its ability to adapt to upcoming EU regulations.

Energy security and the role of capital in the transformation

For both public administration and the private sector, the primary challenge remains balancing decarbonization with ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies for industry and households. The debate at the congress will focus on key issues:

• Financing new energy sources – What financing models for nuclear power and hydrogen will enable Poland to maintain energy independence and attract foreign capital?
• The role of transmission and energy storage infrastructure – Are current transmission networks ready for the dynamic growth of renewable energy sources? What investments in energy storage are essential to ensure system stability?
• Geopolitics of raw materials and energy crises – How will the war in Ukraine and the economic rivalry between China and the USA affect the availability of raw materials and components necessary for the energy transition?
• New EU regulations and ESG – How will EU climate policy affect the business models of companies in Poland? Are enterprises ready for reporting in line with the CSRD directive?

The Polish Climate Congress program was developed by the Program Council, which includes the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, under the leadership of Senator Adam Szejnfeld.

The energy transition is no longer just a vision of the future but a dynamic process shaping the European economy in real-time.

Energy transformation: a continuous process

The discussion on energy transformation remains relevant, even though for some, the term may already sound like a cliché. However, we are still in a process that gains momentum every month, evolving in terms of the tools and solutions supporting it. As the Polish Power Exchange (Towarowa Giełda Energii – TGE), we are part of these changes and actively initiate many of them.

“For 25 years, the Polish commodity exchange has been monitoring trends, adapting to regulations, responding to market participants’ needs, and engaging in international activities. However, we remain open to new developments and want to discuss them. That is why we are proud to be the strategic partner of the Polish Climate Congress 2025, where we will examine the role of the energy market in the transformation process, including the needs of the electricity and gas systems and the importance of flexibility services, capacity markets, and balancing mechanisms. We invite you to participate in the event so that we can collectively outline the future of the exchange market,” says Piotr Listwoń, President of the Management Board of the Polish Power Exchange S.A.

Investments in nuclear power and new technologies

Amid energy market volatility and rising costs, Poland is rapidly developing small modular reactor (SMR) projects and hydrogen energy solutions. During the congress, experts will assess whether these technologies can become catalysts for energy security and economic competitiveness.

Recently, ORLEN S.A. unveiled its corporate strategy for eliminating coal from transport fuels and expanding renewable energy sources (RES) by 2035.

Caring for the climate is not only about legal regulations defining the energy transition path but also about social expectations and the need for acceptance of timelines and costs. People demand energy that is both reliable and affordable, increasingly favoring green solutions. As a leader of the energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe, we are aware of our responsibility to ensure that industry changes do not disrupt the market but effectively contribute to climate protection.

We take our commitment to effective decarbonization and achieving climate neutrality for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2050 very seriously. By 2035, we aim to eliminate coal from transport fuels and heating within our management scope. The ORLEN Strategy, announced in January, together with the ambitious EU regulatory agenda, will accelerate electrification. To drive this transformation, in ten years, we will ensure that 25% of transport energy comes from renewables. We will invest in biofuels, synthetic fuels, and renewable hydrogen. By the same time, we plan to reach 12.8 GW of installed capacity in RES, including onshore and offshore wind farms and photovoltaics. These investments will be supported by 1.4 GW of energy storage capacity. We are also planning to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Over the next ten years, we will invest significant funds to achieve both business and transformation objectives and comply with regulatory requirements,”** says Ireneusz Fąfara, President and CEO of ORLEN S.A.

Industry and infrastructure at a crossroads

The green transformation requires far-reaching reforms in energy-intensive industries, transport, and critical infrastructure. Moving too fast or making poor decisions could undermine industrial competitiveness.

Key discussion panels will focus on Poland’s industrial transformation amid rising energy prices – will compensation mechanisms and CCS/U development allow steel mills, cement plants, and the chemical industry to continue operating?

“For years, Holcim Poland has been implementing changes that have effectively reduced our carbon footprint to below 400 kg per ton of cement (compared to over 700 kg a decade ago). We are replacing fossil fuels with alternatives, including biomass, aiming for 100% alternative energy within five years (currently, we are at nearly 90%). A crucial factor is substituting clinker, the most carbon-intensive component of cement, with alternative materials. This will reduce CO₂ emissions to approximately 310 kg per ton of cement. However, beyond this threshold, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology will become necessary. While building CCS facilities is within our reach, secure CO₂ storage remains a challenge in Poland, requiring collaboration with business partners, state-owned enterprises, and proper legal regulations,” explains Maciej Sypek, President of Holcim Poland.

“A strong steel industry in Poland and Europe is fundamental to strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy. That is why, during the Polish Climate Congress, we will thoroughly discuss the key aspects of the steel industry’s functioning now and in the future,” says Maciej Bukowski, President of WiseEuropa.

Practical Approach to Energy Transition

The Polish Climate Congress is distinguished by its business-oriented nature and focus on the practical aspects of implementing green transformation strategies.

“DB Energy has long supported global industries in the energy transition by providing comprehensive solutions that combine reducing greenhouse gas emissions with improving energy efficiency. Through our projects, we help companies not only meet legal decarbonization requirements but also build a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding market. Energy efficiency is not just a challenge—it’s a huge opportunity, both for the environment and for businesses that take bold steps towards sustainability,” says Dr. Eng. Piotr Danielski, President and Co-Founder of DB Energy.

Decisions for the decades ahead

Poland is at the threshold of critical decisions regarding its climate and energy policies. The Polish Climate Congress 2025 will be one of the most important forums for debating the future of energy transition and its impact on the economy, regulations, and regional stability.

The detailed event program and registration details are available on the official website.

Source: Press release of the Polish Climate Congress