We analyse how to use the money available for the energy transition effectively and efficiently, and how to support people at risk of fuel poverty.
A socially just and economically efficient energy transition requires the development of appropriate financial and economic tools. Raising funds is crucial for effective investment in clean energy innovation. This can reduce air pollution, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat the effects of climate change.
To make good use of the money available, we need informed public policy and efficient management.
Energy Transition Financing Programme Coordinators
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The Forum Energii Team
Dr. Sonia Buchholtz
Energy Transition Financing Programme Director
Konstancja Ziółkowska
Senior Programme Officer
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The Forum Energii Team
Publications
How to escape the household energy price trap?
Household electricity prices in recent months bore little relation to real production costs, were kept artificially low and treated as an interface with voters. State intervention in this area was necessary in 2022 due to unprecedented price increases on the markets. If the price-freezing mechanisms expire as planned at the end of 2023, electricity prices for households could rise by up to 68% in January. The impact of price spikes should be mitigated. We are proposing a package of solutions: an energy voucher, support for distribution tariffs, additional money for improving the energy efficiency of buildings and a special tariff for heating buildings with electricity.
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How to escape the household energy price trap?
Household electricity prices in recent months bore little relation to real production costs, were kept artificially low and treated as an interface with voters. State intervention in this area was necessary in 2022 due to unprecedented price increases on the markets. If the price-freezing mechanisms expire as planned at the end of 2023, electricity prices for households could rise by up to 68% in January. The impact of price spikes should be mitigated. We are proposing a package of solutions: an energy voucher, support for distribution tariffs, additional money for improving the energy efficiency of buildings and a special tariff for heating buildings with electricity.
Poland's support in the energy crisis. Last call for NRP
If Poland does not come to an agreement on the NRP in the coming months - it will be too late for sensible spending of the money available to the country. By the end of June, the Polish government may present to the European Commission changes to the spending plan for the National Recovery Plan - completed with investments to increase resilience to the energy crisis. Consultations with the EC are just starting. This is the last bell for Poland to reach for loans and grants under the the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the REPowerEU plan. How to change the Polish NRP to make it a practical response to the energy crisis?
Poland's support in the energy crisis. Last call for NRP
If Poland does not come to an agreement on the NRP in the coming months - it will be too late for sensible spending of the money available to the country. By the end of June, the Polish government may present to the European Commission changes to the spending plan for the National Recovery Plan - completed with investments to increase resilience to the energy crisis. Consultations with the EC are just starting. This is the last bell for Poland to reach for loans and grants under the the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the REPowerEU plan. How to change the Polish NRP to make it a practical response to the energy crisis?
Cutting energy bills before winter (toolbox)
The upcoming winter will be difficult for many Polish households due to high costs of heat and electricity. In the latest report by Forum Energii, more than 30 concrete measures are listed. They can be implemented easily and at a low (or even none) cost before the heating season. This will reduce bills and improve the country's energy security.
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Cutting energy bills before winter (toolbox)
The upcoming winter will be difficult for many Polish households due to high costs of heat and electricity. In the latest report by Forum Energii, more than 30 concrete measures are listed. They can be implemented easily and at a low (or even none) cost before the heating season. This will reduce bills and improve the country's energy security.
RRP: The bare minimum for over €9bn
With one year delay the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) is entering Poland. So far, the discussion around the RRP has focused primarily on money. Meanwhile – and this is particularly evident in the area of energy transition – the RRP is an instrument that has mobilised the Polish government to work out the necessary reforms, involving an in-depth analysis of challenges ahead, assessment of specific solutions, and necessary legal changes, all within specific timeframe. Investment support – although crucial – plays a secondary role in accelerating the implementation of reforms.
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RRP: The bare minimum for over €9bn
With one year delay the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) is entering Poland. So far, the discussion around the RRP has focused primarily on money. Meanwhile – and this is particularly evident in the area of energy transition – the RRP is an instrument that has mobilised the Polish government to work out the necessary reforms, involving an in-depth analysis of challenges ahead, assessment of specific solutions, and necessary legal changes, all within specific timeframe. Investment support – although crucial – plays a secondary role in accelerating the implementation of reforms.
Whom to ask how Poland spends billions from the Modernisation Fund?
The European Union has decided to allocate 2% of the allowances from its emissions trading system (EU-ETS) for support to poorer countries in their energy transition. Since 2021 this money is transferred to Poland, among others. The local operator – the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management – has been distributing the funds without adequate public scrutiny and information. A year after taking charge of the Modernisation Fund, there is no transparent website to adequately inform society and potential applicants on what and how over EUR 11 bn (PLN 50 bn) is to be spent (and a further increase is on the table). This article deals with the consequences of the current flaws in this process and why their removal is so important for Poland.
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Whom to ask how Poland spends billions from the Modernisation Fund?
The European Union has decided to allocate 2% of the allowances from its emissions trading system (EU-ETS) for support to poorer countries in their energy transition. Since 2021 this money is transferred to Poland, among others. The local operator – the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management – has been distributing the funds without adequate public scrutiny and information. A year after taking charge of the Modernisation Fund, there is no transparent website to adequately inform society and potential applicants on what and how over EUR 11 bn (PLN 50 bn) is to be spent (and a further increase is on the table). This article deals with the consequences of the current flaws in this process and why their removal is so important for Poland.
Ready for 55%. A guide to financing the energy transition from 2021
It’s PLN 560 billion [EUR 124 bln]. This is the amount Poland can allocate for the energy transition and phaseout of coal thanks to EU membership. This is a historic opportunity to shift the Polish economy—including the energy sector—to the low-carbon track and develop new industries. Although last year the Polish government declared the intention to pursue climate neutrality in line with EU policy, Poland’s decision-makers are anxious that the country will not be able to handle the challenge of decarbonisation. At the same time, the government’s relations with EU institutions are deteriorating, making talks about the EU funds difficult. So then, what resources are at stake?
Read More
Ready for 55%. A guide to financing the energy transition from 2021
It’s PLN 560 billion [EUR 124 bln]. This is the amount Poland can allocate for the energy transition and phaseout of coal thanks to EU membership. This is a historic opportunity to shift the Polish economy—including the energy sector—to the low-carbon track and develop new industries. Although last year the Polish government declared the intention to pursue climate neutrality in line with EU policy, Poland’s decision-makers are anxious that the country will not be able to handle the challenge of decarbonisation. At the same time, the government’s relations with EU institutions are deteriorating, making talks about the EU funds difficult. So then, what resources are at stake?
