The pathway to European energy sovereignty (Debate)

The pathway to European energy sovereignty – High level debate

ADMISSION BY PERSONAL INVITATION ONLY!

The war in Ukraine has destabilized European energy markets and led to price volatility, supply shortages, security issues and economic uncertainty. Today, the energy sovereignty is emerging as a top priority for Europe’s future. Nuclear energy is a vital element in responding to the modern energy challenges. It is the second largest source of clean electricity globally, leaving a low-carbon footprint and generating more power on less land than any other eco-energy technology. The nuclear energy industry and its related activities represent a high-tech industrial sector in the EU economy and a significant source of GDP, added value, employment and exports. The debate will focus on the Polish energy strategy and investments in the nuclear energy infrastructure. The Polish government has included nuclear energy alongside renewables as a key strategic project that will help to decarbonize the power system, enhance energy independence and ensure the security. Poland decides to engage in new strategic partnerships with international entities that use proven and safe nuclear reactor technology. Given the chosen direction it is apparent that the future of nuclear power in Europe will largely be decided by Poland. How can Europe achieve energy sovereignty? Will the Polish ambition in nuclear energy sector guide the energy pathway to guarantee the European economic stability? How can new solutions be deployed at speed and scale?

Keynote: President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda

Moderator: Michał Karnowski (Sieci)

Speakers: Jacek Sasin (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Assets), Dukgeun Ahn (Minister of Trade – South Korea), Wojciech Dąbrowski (PGE), Whang Joo-ho (KHNP), Maciej Stec (ZE PAK)

Wojciech Dąbrowski

PGE

The Management Board of PGE discloses that on February 19, 2020 the Supervisory Board adopted resolutions on appointment of Mr. Wojciech Dąbrowski to the Management Board of the eleventh term of office as from February 20, 2020 and entrusting him the position of the President. Mr. Wojciech Dąbrowski has been working as a manager in the energy sector for ten years. From November 2017 to February 2020, he was the President of the Management Board of the PGE Energia Ciepła S.A., where he completed the process of Polish heat industry asset integration, acquired by PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A. from the French company EDF. He created a strong business line within the PGE S.A. Capital Group. In 2019, he completed the process of heat assets integration, which was a part of a broader business initiative by the PGE Capital Group. From January 2016 to November 2017, he was President of the Management Board of the PGNiG Termika S.A., where he completed the process of acquisition in PEC Jastrzębie and SEJ Jastrzębie, strengthening the market position of PGNiG Termika. Between 2011 and 2016, he was Vice-President of the Municipal Heat Energy Company in Wołomin Ltd. He graduated from the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Warsaw, where he was awarded a Master of Law degree. He later completed postgraduate studies at the Warsaw University of Technology, in the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, in the area of steam exploitation, gas and steam-gas power plants, combined heat and power plants. Moreover, he is a graduate of the Leon Kozminski Academy of Entrepreneurship and Management, and he can boast a further degree from the University of Warsaw, in Management in Public Administration. Mr. Wojciech Dąbrowski has many years of experience in management, both in central and local governments. His main area of focus was investment and legal consultation in the area of obtaining funds from the EU. He also led expert teams in the realization of investments. He supervised modernization and investment projects in the M&A area, as well as restructuring and development schemes in companies striving to improve their operations and profitability. In 2019, he was appointed President of the PTEZ (Polish Association of Professional Heat and Power Plants) by the National Assembly of PTEZ Members. He is a member of the Management Board of the Polish Electricity Association (PKEE) and Regulating Committee (Komitet Sterujący) for scientific research and development in the sphere of security and national defense at the National Center for Research and Development. He participates in public debates which are chiefly concerned with development within the energy sector, environment protection, waste management and energy security. He has advocated active cooperation with local governments and local heating distributors, which has contributed to the development of the local heat markets and consequently improved the cleanliness of the natural environment and quality of life in local communities. He has supported and promoted cogeneration technology as the most effective and environmentally-friendly means of producing electricity and heat. He has also taken part in a program for the development of support scheme for cogeneration.

POLISH HOUSE DAVOS 2023