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JSW participates in the 4th European Coal Days in Brussels

Environmental policy must encourage the development of competitive industries in the European Union and cannot stand in opposition to social policy. Coal has its place in the modern European economy, and its use is and will be increasingly more environmentally friendly. These are the main theses of Jarosław Zagórowski, president of JSW, who inaugurated the fourth European Coal Days in Brussels.

Participants of the deliberations lasting from 12 to 14 November  discuss among others the place of coal in the power generation of the EU and adjusting the energy systems of the Member States to the climate policy.

Today, about one third of electricity produced in the EU comes from coal. In Poland, nearly 90% of electricity comes from coal. Energy mix of the EU countries has been shaped historically due to the availability of natural resources. For example, in Scandinavia, in the structure of energy production water plays vital role, in Denmark – wind. Poland and Germany rely on coal and France on nuclear energy.

Therefore, according to representatives of Polish mining and energy sectors, policy of the EU cannot impose the same CO2 emission targets for all member states without a deeper understanding of the process of building their systems for generating electricity.

- I believe that today, although not very favorable EU policy towards coal – we are capable of developing the right solutions, which give chances but also proper conditions to the member states relying on coal to apply more ecologically friendly ways if its utilization – said Jarosław Zagórowski, president of JSW.   

 It seems that the EU should state more explicitly that the decarbonisation policy is not about the elimination of carbon from the balance but CO2 emissions reduction. Coal can be more environmentally friendly by increasing the efficiency of energy systems and the implementation of new combustion technologies that reduce CO2 emissions to maximum – he added.

The conversion of energy systems to cleaner and renewable energy sources must be developed in a sustainable and responsible manner, so as not to diminish the competitiveness of the European economy. Replacing coal and lignite in power systems is ultimately inevitable process, because the resource base is systematically reduced . According to representatives from Polish mining and energy sectors this process can be conducted responsibly and in a sustainable manner, while respecting the needs of all interested groups and countries.