Artur Warzocha: I will use all my experience in my parliamentary activities

What do you think the Polish energy mix should look like, what should constitute the basis for energy production and what should complement it?

In the long term, the Polish energy mix will be based on nuclear energy and renewable energy sources. At Tauron, we consistently implement the assumptions of the Green Turn, i.e. a deep transformation of one of the largest energy groups based on the development of low-emission energy sources and investments in power networks. We have already had considerable success in this regard, we currently operate 11 wind farms, and next year we will put another four into operation. In the near future, we will also complete the first stage of construction of our largest photovoltaic farm. The power plant located in a post-industrial area in Mysłowice will ultimately reach a capacity of 100 MW and will be one of the largest farms in Poland. In the long term, we are also interested in SMRs, they are a promising technology, especially in the heating context.

Will moving away from coal harm the Polish economy?

Coal will remain a guarantor of Poland’s energy security. Modern coal units, such as the 910 MW unit in Jaworzno, will remain in our energy system for many years. Heating will also remain a very important area in which coal will play an important role. Let us remember that we can only talk about achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

How do you evaluate the NABE program and how will the lack of NABE affect the transformation process?

I believe that NABE is a model compromise that takes into account the interests of customers, energy companies and employees. NABE will provide conditions to secure the continuity of energy supplies to customers at acceptable prices. Energy companies will, in turn, be able to accelerate their investment and development projects. Employees in the manufacturing sector will receive job and salary guarantees.

Thanks to the establishment of NABE, it will be easier for us to develop investment projects in the most promising areas for the modern energy industry. In addition to the development of renewable energy sources, we will direct the widest investment stream towards power grids, which constitute the foundation of an effective energy transformation. In addition, we want to develop energy storage facilities that will help us stabilize the energy network. This is necessary in the context of the increasing potential of renewable energy.

What are the current main challenges for the TAURON Group?

First of all, we hope that we will be able to complete the process of separating coal assets and building NABE by the end of the year. We put a lot of work and organizational effort into this process to ensure that the separated companies could function independently.

The modernization and expansion of distribution networks remains a significant challenge for the success of the transformation. We must realize that without a modern, intelligent distribution network, the energy system will not function effectively, regardless of how many new generating capacities we build.

Why – since there are so many challenges in the energy sector – did you decide to run for the Sejm?

I will use all my experience in my parliamentary activities. I was already a senator of the 9th term, previously a deputy voivode of Silesia, a local government official, and for years I worked at the Supreme Audit Office. All my knowledge about the functioning of the state, its institutions, social issues and employee problems, plus knowledge of business problems and energy security, allows me to take a horizontal look at issues concerning Poland and its citizens. Now meetings with residents of my constituency, i.e. Częstochowa and four counties: Kłobuck, Częstochowa, Lubliniec and Myszków, are a great discussion on the most important topics for average people who greatly appreciate the fact that thanks to the eight-year rule of Law and Justice they feel noticed and safe in their country. This direction must be maintained and even more should be done to improve their economic situation. That’s why I’m going to the Sejm.