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The "Green Deal" discussed at the EXPO-GAS Gas Technology Fair

15 september 2021
Ecology is a topic that appears more and more often in media and social discussions. The gas industry also finds climate change important. Targi Kielce brings together the business sector representatives at the "Gas Industry Goes Green" conference

The "Gas Industry Goes Green - System and Technology Challenges" Discussion Panel was attended by specialists from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Ministry of Technology and Development, as well as representatives of gas companies. The introduction was made by professor Józef Paska PhD from the Warsaw University of Technology.

What is the Green Deal?

The European Green Deal is the European Community set of measures designed to improve the climate and the condition of the natural environment. The European Union is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050; this goal will require a socio-economic transformation across Europe. - The transformation also forces the industry sector to act; instil a clean circular economy - commented Professor  Józef Paska of the Warsaw University of Technology.

One of the sectors that is of great importance for the transformation is the gas industry - The proper use of shale gas resulted in the United States’ reduced emissions - mentioned Paweł Pikus from the Department of Electricity and Gas, Ministry of Climate and Environment. The use of gases for the green transformation was the main topic of the conference.

Gas Industry Goes Green

The Polish transformation framework for the gas sector is based on the Polish Energy Policy until 2040, hydrogen strategies and the biomethane partnership.

In line with the energy transformation assumptions, natural gas is a transitional solution on the way to complete decarbonisation of the Polish economy, and thus limits carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. Paweł Majewski, President of the Management Board of PGNiG, spoke about the significance of this fuel. CEO also related to the technological aspects of gas supply - We need to secure blue fuel supplies in response to the growing demand caused by the conversion of production sources from coal to gas - points out the President.

 

Hydrogen is not yet popular, which is an interesting aspect discussed during the event. - According to PEP, in 2030 about 32% of electricity will be generated with the use of renewable energy sources - says Szymon Byliński - Department of Electromobility and Hydrogen Management - Hydrogen, as an energy carrier, can be used for energy storage - adds the expert.

 

Electromobility is also extremely important for climate improvement.  - Hydrogen can be used as a transport fuel, but it requires investments in infrastructure, as well as modernisation of, for example, road transport. - says.  According to EU assumptions, 1000 hydrogen-powered buses are to be in service in Poland by 2030, and by 2025, 32 hydrogen charging stations are to be installed on our roads. Interestingly, the Ministry of Climate and Environment also places great emphasis on the development of hydrogen-fuelled rolling stock.

 

Financing

 

Financial issues were also one of the elements of the discussion.  - Just transformation is an element strongly emphasised by the authorities of the European Union - emphasised by Professor  Józef Paska of the Warsaw University of Technology.  Representatives of the National Centre for Research and Development and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management spoke about the competition and grant platforms for innovative Green Deal projects. The WiseEuropa Institute introduced the listeners to financing options for the decarbonisation of economies in Polish regions.

 

(MBr)