Context

As a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a major re-evaluation is taking place quickly before our eyes. Poland’s approach to security, international cooperation, and energy policy is also changing. This is an important moment in its history. Forum Energii wants to share our knowledge and support wise decision-making in Poland and the European Union.

It has become a priority for many states to become independent of Russian supplies of energy resources, and to do it in a truly short timeframe. We are deep into a fuel crisis (soaring prices) and, at the same time, facing numerous problems in the energy industry, including heating, which are getting worse. The age of power plants and heating plants and their high carbon footprint are driving the cost spiral. In the debate, the focus is too often on solutions of the past, barely reaching for future solutions, such as renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. Protection of the climate, the environment, and air quality are relegated to the background, even though these are key issues for future generations.

Energy consumers in Poland are in a tricky situation, facing not only rising energy costs but also the highest carbon footprint in the EU. Fossil fuel prices will remain high in the coming years, which will affect household spending and industrial competitiveness.

We are committed to ensuring that Poland is resilient and able to respond to these crises.

Why an Expert Council?

The initiators of the Council are Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera and Monika Morawiecka, although the idea of creating the Council was quickly supported by a group of recognised experts. The main motivation is the conviction that the Polish energy sector needs a new strategy. Poland's polarised debate lacks a compass, authority, and trust.

In the public debate, the voices of experts must resound, even clash at times, but they should develop conclusions that should be translated into dynamic action. We are committed to a high level of debate and to creating a space where experienced experts will speak out.

Objective

The purpose of the Council is to develop joint recommendations and initiate dialogue in key areas for improving Poland’s energy security and climate protection. These will be positions of a strategic nature on issues where there is current debate. We want to constructively support changes in the Polish and EU energy sector.

The Council’s rules of operation

• Meets several times a year, physically or online.
• Can invite guests to its meetings.
• Operates on a non-profit
• Does not promote any specific technologies or companies.
• Members present their own views, not those of the institutions where they work.
• Is apolitical and does not speak on personal or partisan issues.
• Communicates mainly through joint recommendations published on the website.