On 22-23 May 2026, the University of Pavia hosted the international scientific conference entitled "Powering a Just and Sustainable Future: The Energy Transition in Practice - Sustainability, Just Transition, Clean Energy and Nuclear Innovation." The event was co-organised by the Department of Energy Transition at the University of Economics in Katowice and the University of Pavia. The conference was organised by Professor Katarzyna Gromek-Broc in cooperation with dr Marcin Kraśniewski.
The conference was attended by dr hab. Marzena Czarnecka, prof. UE together with representatives of the Department of Energy Transition: dr Borys Budka, dr Dorota Benduch, dr Aleksandra Lubicz-Posochowska, dr Marcin Kraśniewski and Tomasz Codogni. The event also gathered scholars and experts from Poland, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Norway, Colombia, India, China, France, Japan and several other countries, representing universities, public institutions and the energy sector.
The University of Pavia is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy. Founded in the 14th century, the institution has long been associated with outstanding scholars, including Alessandro Volta, one of the pioneers of electricity research. The university enjoys an excellent reputation in the fields of law, political science, economics and engineering, while actively developing international cooperation and research partnerships. For more than two years, the University of Pavia has cooperated closely with the Department of Energy Transition at the University of Economics in Katowice through joint scientific and educational initiatives devoted to energy transition, energy security and just transition.
The first day of the conference focused on sustainable governance of the energy transition, nuclear energy and innovation. During the opening session, speeches were delivered by dr Borys Budka, who discussed European challenges related to sustainable energy governance, and Professor Marzena Czarnecka, who presented reflections on the future of sustainable governance in the energy sector.
Subsequent panels explored the role of active energy consumers, regulatory dilemmas, the future of nuclear energy and the security of energy investments. During the afternoon session dedicated to nuclear energy and innovation, Professor Marzena Czarnecka delivered a presentation on Poland’s involvement in nuclear energy development, while dr Dorota Benduch presented research on digital twins as a determinant of safe and clean nuclear energy systems. Dr Marcin Kraśniewski discussed nuclear energy regulation and just transition policies. Representatives of the energy industry also participated in the discussions, including the CEO of ENEA S.A., dr Grzegorz Kinelski.
One of the most symbolic moments of the first day was the presentation of commemorative medals to Professor Marzena Czarnecka and dr Borys Budka by Professor Giovanni Cordini, emeritus professor of the University of Pavia. The distinction recognised their scientific achievements and contribution to the development of international academic cooperation in the field of energy transition.
The second day of the conference focused on the challenges of just transition and global perspectives on clean energy development. The opening session was chaired by dr Marcin Kraśniewski together with Professor Raphael Heffron. Discussions during the panels addressed the social dimensions of energy transition, cybersecurity of critical energy infrastructure, just transition challenges in Africa and Colombia, and the impact of digitalisation on the energy sector.
Particular attention was devoted to presentations concerning global energy challenges. Professor Raphael Heffron discussed the transition “from policy to practice” in the field of just transition, Professor Giovanni Cordini analysed the crisis of globalisation and environmental constitutionalism, while José Gabriel Luis Córdova explored the relationship between energy transition and digitalisation. The conference also featured experts from the United Kingdom, Norway, Colombia, India and China.
The afternoon sessions focused on global clean energy perspectives. Tomasz Codogni presented research on the use of "pink hydrogen" in industrial decarbonisation processes, while participants debated cybersecurity threats to energy infrastructure, energy transition in China, India, Peru and Colombia, and the future of the oil market in Latin America.
The organisers emphasised that the conference had become an important platform for international scientific cooperation and exchange of experience concerning the future of energy transition in Europe and worldwide. The next edition of the conference will take place in Pavia on 20-21 May 2027.
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