First German-Polish Forum on Energy Transition: Impulses for a European energy transition

Warsaw, 5 April 2023: At the first German-Polish Forum on Energy Transition in Warsaw, Germany and Poland reaffirmed their cooperation on energy security and climate neutrality. Organised by the German Energy Agency (dena) and the Polish National Energy Saving Agency (KAPE), in cooperation with the German-Polish Chamber of Commerce, the event provided an opportunity to discuss the shared challenges of implementing the energy transition in both countries. The event aimed to improve mutual understanding of energy policy priorities, and to combine the efforts of both countries in realising a climate-neutral and more independent energy system, in light of the current energy crisis. Over 100 participants from ministries, companies, think tanks, and NGOs took part in in-depth discussions about expanding renewable energy sources, decarbonising the heat supply, and fostering cross-border collaboration.

Jennifer Morgan, the German State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Policy at the Federal Foreign Office, emphasised that the energy transition presents a significant opportunity for Poland and Germany to enhance their independence, security, and prosperity. Every country must find its own way to become climate-neutral by 2050. But together, we are stronger and more innovative. The time has come for the first Polish-German Energy Forum so that we can listen to each other, learn from each other, and discuss how to shape the transition in a just and fair way that prepares our countries and economies for the future.”

Kristina Haverkamp, Managing Director of dena, emphasised the intensive cooperation between Germany and Poland at local and regional levels, underlining that 'the forum was an important step towards closer exchanges on energy security issues and joint efforts to phase out fossil fuels. Despite different approaches to achieving the common goal of climate neutrality, it is clear that close cooperation at local and regional levels is essential.”

Karolina Loth-Babut, Managing Director of KAPE, emphasized the importance of exchanging views on energy policy approaches and best practices for mutual understanding: "Our forum offers the opportunity to openly discuss current priorities and challenges of the energy transition in order to improve mutual understanding."

Despite their different approaches, Polish and German stakeholders agree that closer cooperation is necessary to make both countries more independent and climate-neutral. The first German-Polish Forum on Energy Transition was a constructive and forward-looking step in this direction. The second edition of the forum is planned for 2024 in Berlin. Further details of the event will be announced in the coming months.