Energy & Mining & Steel Industry
Wiesław Różacki, President of Rafako S.A. In the period of extraordinary market turbulences it is worth to ask fundamental questions concerning not the future of Europe and the world, because then we would revolve in the sphere of hypotheses which are the result of many variables, but their presence. We need to ask and appeal for respect for the basic rules of economy and satisfying the basic needs of citizens. This is the only way to guarantee a relatively foreseeable future, or at least one that once we are in it, we will not reproach ourselves that we had sacrificed the wealth and prosperity of people for more or less proven theories that underpin Europe’s crusade against climatic changes, which, let’s not be afraid to say it, will be a suicide for EU member states. Energy security of entire Europe lies in its interest. It can be ensured only through the security of energy systems of individual countries, taking into account their individual abilities. Polish power industry is only one and as many as one in the European energy system. We should give Europe what we have best, which is modern high efficiency coal-fuelled power industry. There is no better option for Poland than the development of industries related to mining and
the use of coal in the energy sector. Of course, we should invest in renewable energy, but only within reason, keeping in mind the principles of sustainable development of the economy and our limited capabilities. We cannot afford to burn large amounts of biomass, because we do not have enough of it to allow our resources to renew, and apart from that, paradoxically we have deprived our planet of its huge allies in reducing CO2 in the atmosphere, which undoubtedly are the forests. We also do not have the conditions to develop wind and solar energy, nor hydroelectric resources. Therefore we can seriously diversify our energy mix only by gas and nuclear energy. For this reason, our company takes very seriously also these development trends in the Polish energy sector, taking up technological cooperation with major partners in the construction of steam-gas and nuclear units. Once again, I would like to underline that this needs to be spoken clearly and this should be a voice coming both from Poland and EU politicians and officials. Europe needs sustainable energy development in each of its member states. If we do not want another crisis, we should respect and protect the delicate, as it turns out,
individuality of each EU member state, not only in the social and cultural aspects, but also, as the brutal reality shows, also in the scope of economy and markets. If the analysis of outstanding and reliable experts showing the risks of unrealistic emission targets, do not convince EU decisionmakers, perhaps they will be moved by what is happening with the Greek, Irish and Portuguese economies. It is impossible to adapt everything and everyone to some ideas detached from life. Disregarding the basic rules of economics ends badly. :: ADVERTISEMENT
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