Responsible energy transition – Dalkia Polska sets the path for sustainable development
We are increasingly aware of the inevitable need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which makes us focus our attention on the issue of energy transition. We talk to Jacek Chodkowski, CEO of Dalkia Polska Group, about the challenges of transition and its importance for various areas of the economy.
What is responsible energy transition according to Dalkia Polska? Why is it so essential?
From our perspective, a responsible energy transition is a key element in building a sustainable future together. It is not limited only to transformations in the energy or heating sectors, but includes a systemic change in the way we produce and use energy and perceive the impact of our activities on the environment. To effectively carry out the energy transition in our country, it is necessary to create a coherent, long-term vision of the transition to a zero-emission economy by 2050. Firstly, several key documents should be updated, which will ensure a stable regulatory framework and set the direction for reforms.
We hope that the industry’s demands will be reflected in the update of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and the Polish Energy Policy 2040 (PEP 2040), as well as in sector strategies, e.g. the expected strategy for heating and industry. Strategies should take into account support mechanisms and funding prospects. It is extremely important that any changes related to the broadly understood energy transition are subject to wide consultations with market participants. Only such approach will make this transformation effective.
What steps are you taking to be more eco-friendly?
We start with ourselves, and our heating company, Dalkia Polska Energia, is a perfect example of these efforts. We are decarbonizing our own heat sources, which is a key step on our path to carbon neutrality. At the Szopienice CHP plant we installed a new gas boiler with a thermal power of 10 MW and high-efficiency cogeneration with an electrical power of 0.999 MWe and a thermal power of 1.2 MWt, thanks to which we reduced CO2 emissions by 7,000 tons per year. Similarly, in Mysłowice CHP plant, the installation of a new gas boiler with a thermal power of 6 MW and 2 natural gas-powered engines resulted in a reduction in coal consumption by 60% and a reduction in CO2 emissions by 12,000 tons per year. These are important steps on the way to emission neutrality of Dalkia Polska Energia’s plants. As a producer of system heat, our goal is to phase out coal by 2029 – decarbonization and providing residents with heat at the lowest possible price is our priority.
Currently, we use methane (mine gas) as the key fuel. Methane emissions into the atmosphere are many times more dangerous for the Earth’s climate than CO2. However, by burning methane in our installations, we avoid its emissions into the atmosphere. The widest possible use of methane is a pillar of the green transition that our heating company is going through.
Moreover, we also transfer our knowledge in this area to France, where in the north of the country a project using methane from a closed hard coal mine was recently established. France also recognizes the value of reducing methane emissions, which results in various forms of financial support and tax breaks. The implementation of similar solutions in Poland, which currently occupies a leading position in the European ranking of methane emitters, would be an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What political and administrative challenges arise in the energy transition process, and how do you intend to overcome them?
I could mention a whole range of political and administrative challenges, but really, much depends on the specific nature of the activity of a given entity, because it determines its perspective and the types of problems it faces. Although the complexity of the energy transition issue causes great uncertainty in running businesses, it is also worth recognizing an opportunity in this environment. The belief that entrepreneurs will be able to overcome all political and administrative barriers is unjustified. I would not like our customers to be the ones who have to fight the system, because if a deep energy transition of the economy is to take place in Poland, the state and business cannot stand in opposition. A sustainable future should result from cooperation in which entrepreneurs are provided the necessary support and conditions for further development. Therefore, we are open and ready to cooperate with all stakeholders involved in building a sustainable future and we want to support this process with our experience.
Does the industry need to transform? What happens if the facility takes no action?
We note the existence of various strategies and motivations on the market. The concept of “industry” encompasses a diverse group of manufacturing and processing enterprises, each subject to varying regulations and offering products to range of recipients. At the level of individual plants, transformation becomes an individual matter, and the consequences of its lack requires individual assessment – lack of decarbonization may affect some enterprises more than others. Why? This includes various types of sanctions for failure to fulfil obligations arising from legal provisions, difficulties with access to financing, reputation and customer problems, possible marginalization of a given brand on the market, difficulties in maintaining a competitive advantage, and even the threat of falling off the market, especially in the long term.
One of the main advantages of Dalkia is its flexible approach to customer needs. We do not offer one universal technological solution. On the contrary, we work with each client individually, trying to understand their expectations, needs and possibilities. Thanks to this, we are able to develop the optimal decarbonization path and then accompany the plant in its implementation.
Dalkia’s motto is “High Impact, Low Footprint” – why is this approach important in building a sustainable future?
In the Dalkia Group, energy is created by people. Our highly qualified team constantly expands its qualifications to effectively respond to the dynamic challenges of transformation. Awareness of the importance of our work and the impact on the environment motivates us to constantly improve and search for new solutions. By offering our clients a responsible energy transition, we always take responsibility for its reliable implementation.
Jacek Chodkowski – CEO of Dalkia Polska sp. z o.o., General director of Dalkia Polska group
He graduated from the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering of the Warsaw University of Technology. He obtained the EMBA title after completing his studies at the Warsaw University of Technology Business School.
He started his professional career in 2004 at Vattenfall Heat Poland, in the Warsaw Heat and Power Plants. In the years 2009–2013 he was the manager of production plants in Warsaw. In 2013, he became the director of the Siekierki Heat and Power Plant in Warsaw. In 2015, he joined the management board of PGNiG Termika.
In 2018, he joined the Dalkia Polska group as the CEO of Dalkia Polska Energia in Katowice. At the beginning of July 2021, he became the CEO of Dalkia Polska and the general director of Dalkia Polska group.
Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Anastazja Lach