On 6-7 November this year, the 3rd International Scientific Conference "Energy Justice & Energy Transition - Global, Europe, State" was held at the Silesian Information Science Center and Academic Library in Katowice. The event was organised by the Department of Energy Transition at the University of Economics in Katowice, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi University and the University of Pavia.
The conference provided a unique forum for the exchange of ideas among experts, researchers and practitioners working on the legal, economic and political aspects of the global energy transition. Its aim was to foster an international academic debate on energy justice and the sustainable transformation of the energy sector in Poland, Europe and worldwide.
Opening of the conference
The official opening of the first day was delivered by the Vice-Rector for Science and Academic Staff Development prof. dr hab. Maciej Nowak. This was followed by a few words from the Head of the Department of Energy Transition, dr hab. Marzena Czarnecka, prof. UE, who highlighted the importance of the Katowice region as a place with strong energy and industrial traditions. She noted that it is here, at the heart of Silesia, that discussions about the future of energy carry particular significance.
Climate change and new energy technologies
In his speech, Prof. Raphael J. Heffron highlighted the urgent need to seek new pathways for transport and energy generation in the face of accelerating climate change.
We must focus on renewable energy sources. This will require increasing effort and financial investment, but it is necessary if we want to avoid even higher costs of inaction, the Professor emphasised.
He also posed key questions: "What will happen if we do not start acting? Who will pay for it? How can we use energy in a sustainable way?" He stressed that the solution is not to bypass regulations or avoid environmental taxes, but to implement real, consistent change.
At some point, we are faced with a choice between what is easy and what is right, he added.
A just energy transition
In the next part of the programme, prof. Marzena Czarnecka chaired a panel titled "Just energy transition: equity, economy & environment in sync". She pointed out that one of the key challenges is establishing a platform in Poland to support local energy initiatives that enable communities to participate meaningfully in the transition process.
We must support what is local and ours. Law, economics and ecology - all these areas are changing, and we must bring them together into one coherent whole, she noted.
The speaker also emphasised the role of the younger generation, which is increasingly engaging in local energy production projects. She pointed out that the European Union promotes the idea of dual use of energy, creating opportunities to combine different forms of production within a shared transition framework.
The economy in the energy transition
Panel discussions also addressed issues related to local content in a just transition. It was underlined that involving local communities in energy projects generates new jobs and strengthens local economies, supports the development of domestic enterprises and supply chains, increases social acceptance of investments, and improves the long-term viability of projects through integration with the local economy.
Experts noted that effective implementation requires clear regulations, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and partnerships between government, investors and domestic industry. At the same time, they pointed to challenges such as potential conflicts with international trade rules, the risk of rising project costs, and the need to balance short-term benefits with long-term competitiveness.
Participants agreed that the energy transition must be inclusive and fair, and that the process of change should embrace economic, social and environmental dimensions. The conference confirmed that Katowice remains an important point on the map of the European debate on the future of energy - a place where science, practice and policy meet to jointly seek solutions to global energy challenges.
Second day of the conference
The second day of the 3rd International Scientific Conference focused on energy security and the risk of a so-called blackout, i.e., a large-scale interruption in electricity supply.
The thematic session was attended by Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), Dr Borys Budka, as well as energy-sector experts and representatives of academia and business: Marcin Laskowski (Energy Regulation Expert), Piotr Piela (Vice-President of the Management Board, PEJ sp. z o.o.), Grzegorz Lot (President of the Management Board, Tauron Polska Energia S.A.), Bartosz Krysta (Member of the Management Board, ENEA S.A.), and Prof. Eryk Kosiński (Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań). The discussion was moderated by Prof. Marzena Czarnecka (University of Economics in Katowice) and Dr Marcin Kraśniewski.
Nuclear power - a pillar of energy security?
The debate began with one of the hottest topics in today’s energy discourse: the role of nuclear power in ensuring stable energy supplies.
What role should nuclear energy play? Will it help prevent a blackout? Dr Borys Budka opened his remarks with this question.
He emphasised that nuclear energy is a zero-emission source and may, in the future, become one of the key pillars of Europe’s energy security.
We believe the nuclear programme will succeed. Trust in nuclear power is growing, and financial institutions, including banks, are increasingly willing to finance such projects, he noted.
Dr Budka also pointed to the diverse approaches to nuclear power among EU Member States:
In the EU we see two trends. There are countries that are anti-nuclear - usually those that are able to develop renewable energy sources. And there are those that rely on nuclear as a stable source. Poland should classify nuclear energy as a so-called green energy source, because it is, after all, an emission-free technology, the MEP argued.
How to prevent a blackout?
In the next part of the discussion, participants focused on the causes behind blackout risks and the mechanisms that can prevent them.
We are working to implement measures that will prevent a blackout, one of the speakers emphasised, pointing to the need to develop effective capacity-market mechanisms and expand energy storage infrastructure.
Marcin Laskowski, an energy regulation expert, noted that new EU rules and regulations - though demanding - have a positive impact on how the sector functions:
Every company operating in the energy market must adapt to legislation. It is a challenge, but also an opportunity to avoid crises in the future, he stated.
Prof. Marzena Czarnecka then asked which factors most significantly increase the risk of a blackout.
Two key aspects matter: demand management and system flexibility, replied Bartosz Krysta, Member of the Management Board of ENEA S.A. We must prepare economically by investing in flexible gas sources and developing nuclear power. In Poland’s reality, coal will still play a stabilising role for some time, but the direction of the transition is clear - security and zero emissions, he added.
Summary
The second day of the conference demonstrated that energy security is becoming one of the key elements of the contemporary energy transition. Discussions among experts and representatives of academia and politics confirmed that stable energy supplies and preventing blackouts require a balanced approach - combining the development of renewable energy sources with investments in nuclear power and flexible gas-based generation. Participants agreed that nuclear power may play a fundamental role in the future in ensuring the independence and stability of Europe’s energy system, especially in countries that lack sufficient renewable potential. At the same time, they emphasised the need to build public trust in this technology and to create financial and regulatory frameworks that support its development. The importance of capacity-market mechanisms, energy storage and demand management was also highlighted as effective ways to minimise the risk of overloading the power system. As speakers underlined, the energy transition must be not only green, but also safe, predictable and socially just.
3rd International Scientific Conference "Energy Justice & Energy Transition - Global, Europe, State" - Photo gallery
The gallery presents highlights from the 3rd International Scientific Conference "Energy Justice & Energy Transition - Global, Europe, State", held at the Silesian Information Science Center and Academic Library. The photos show speakers delivering presentations at the lectern, panellists taking part in discussions, and participants following the sessions. They include views of conference rooms filled with guests and students, close-ups of speakers, panel-table discussions, and moments of interaction - questions from the audience and exchanges of opinions among experts. The photographs also feature group shots of organisers and speakers. Overall, the gallery captures the atmosphere of an international academic event devoted to energy justice and the energy transition in a global, European and national context.
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