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Friday, 30 March 18
EXPLAINING POLAND'S COAL PARADOX - FORBES
 In the U.S. coal is succumbing to market forces despite the Trump Administration’s push to support the industry. Abundant, cheap and cleaner natural gas together with ever more efficient and increasingly affordable wind and solar continue displacing coal in electricity generation. But to assume this is the general worldwide trend would be a serious mistake. In fact, even in the heart of “renewable-friendly” Europe, coal is and most likely will continue to be a fuel of choice. Despite coal’s obvious shortcomings that include high CO2 content and local air pollutants, Poland projects that in 2050 coal will still constitute 50% of its energy mix. The strong commitment to coal expressed most recently in the government’s program for the hard coal sector, is driven by host of factors that include social, electoral and policy considerations. As a general statement, it is important to understand the powerful role these factors play in the fuel mix across different countries.
Currently, Poland tops the EU list of biggest coal energy producers, and coal continues to dominate the energy mix in Poland (50%), accounting for a whopping 80% of electricity generation. Going forward, the country is looking into expanding coal production through investment in multiple new mines, including those producing lignite. These plans correspond with power-generation and district heating investments in new plants or expansion of existing facilities.
At the same time, Poland has been behind the EU schedule in implementing the mandated share of renewables energy sources (RES) in the Polish energy mix. The government has also been visibly slow with implementing the 2015 law on renewable energy sources, which in contrast to many EU countries, includes coal as part of the renewable energy mix via coal-biomass based cogeneration.
On the surface, the Polish government’s strong commitment to coal is removed from the realities of the current EU policy direction and market conditions. It goes against the trends in most OECD countries where a less-CO2 intensive energy mix includes increases in RES and natural gas while phasing out coal. Additionally, by pursuing coal Poland opens itself to disputes with the EU that can include substantial monetary fines. Moreover, Polish policy seems to contradict the government’s recent commitment to fight high levels of smog in many cities.
However, a deeper dive reveals that the pervasive use of coal in Poland cannot be explained in strictly environmental or market terms, or even in reference to the EU policy direction.
Coal takes a special place not only in Poland’s energy mix but also in the nation’s collective heart. The coal industry has been traditionally revered, if not romanticized, and much of this continues today. As reported by Poland’s Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) in 2016, miners in Poland are respected at levels (82%) comparable to university professors (80%) and more than medical doctors (74%) or teachers (71%).
Miners have also enjoyed high salaries and pensions, often several times higher than the national average. In addition, they are highly organized within politically influential trade unions. The government is well aware that any decision that endangers the future of mining will meet with substantial protest, as exemplified by the events of 2015 when miners threatened to end the government of Ewa Kopacz, then Polish Prime Minister. A new law to restructure Poland’s largest mining company was met with widespread protests by miners and their unions, who saw the law as a prelude to the closing of four mines in the Upper Silesia region. Negotiations that ensued resulted in the government’s strong commitment to keeping all mines open, effectively assuring the mining jobs that could have otherwise been eliminated.
Thus, any policy that could potentially limit coal and negatively affect mining jobs can have immediate negative consequences for the incumbent government as well as serious electoral implications. There are 55 seats (out of 460 seats) in the Sejm (the lower chamber of the parliament) and 13 (out of 100) in Senate (the upper chamber of the parliament elected in Upper Silesia – the region historically known as “the kingdom of black coal.” Additional “coal” seats are dispersed around the country where lignite is mined. When compared to prospective EU disputes and/or fines, electoral and public support considerations are more immediate and can directly affect chances of survival for any incumbent government.
Intertwined with socio-political consideration is the second major issue that explains coal’s strong position and commitment to coal going forward – energy security. In Poland, the concept of energy security is viewed predominantly as low dependence on Russia, and it is at the top of government and general public priorities. Domestically available coal offers predictability and peace of mind at a time when renewable energy is still at the very beginning of its development, a potential nuclear power plant is still in discussion stages, and the majority of natural gas consumed in Poland needs to be imported from abroad, primarily from Russia.
Recognizing the geopolitical consequences of dependence on Russian gas, Poland has diversified its pool of natural gas providers, thanks to the newly built LNG terminal in Swinoujscie. But, LNG imports are intended to back out Russian gas rather then provide substitute for coal; so they are unlikely to push out coal in the same manner domestically available natural gas has in the US. In fact, part of the planned expansion of LNG imports into Poland is designed to capitalize on Poland becoming a hub for LNG distribution to other European countries.
Coal policy is a difficult balancing act for Poland. It needs to take into account immediate electoral, social and energy security considerations as well as the country’s commitments as a member of the EU. Poland receives substantial EU subsidies, including €27.4 billion for the Program on Infrastructure and Environment that stresses low-emission economy and environmental protection in addition to infrastructure development and energy security. Those funds could potentially be at risk going forward if Poland does not live up to its stated RES and emissions obligations.
The situation is also difficult for the EU more generally, as it highlights the tensions and different priorities between “high income Western Europe” and “middle income Central and Eastern Europe”. To be truly successful the EU has to understand the heterogeneous needs and priorities of its members. Strict RES development goals not adjusted to local needs, combined with potential fines and reprimands for noncompliance are unlikely to achieve the climate and decarbonization goals the EU has established. Instead rigid rules could push countries like Poland where government’s skepticism towards the EU is already high, toward a non-EU future. The issue seems to have been considered by the EU, which has recently committed €1.25 billion ($1.55 billion) to assist the Polish government with mine closures that could address some of the hardships such closures could have for the affected population. One might suspect substantive help provided to coal-dependent regions – including re-training and unemployment compensation – could alleviate some of the social and electoral considerations. Also, support toward less carbon-intensive energy sources that could be developed domestically – such as biogas – could facilitate a less coal-intensive future. Lastly, research toward and potential development of capture and storage solutions and/or coal gasification could accommodate some of Poland’s reliance on coal while minimizing its negative externalities, such as CO2 emissions and smog.
Source: Forbes
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Thursday, 26 April 18
COAL PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO AVERAGE $85/MT IN 2018, DOWN SLIGHTLY FROM 2017 - WORLD BANK
Coal prices rose 4 percent in the first quarter (q/q), following a surge of 34 percent in 2017, mainly due to strong consumption in China spurred b ...
Wednesday, 25 April 18
TANKER MARKET INSIGHT - THEODOROS NTALAKOS
We had the opportunity to be part of Intertanko's Hellenic Mediterranean Panel last week in the SNFCC and to present an outlook on the tanker f ...
Tuesday, 24 April 18
IMPORTING INDONESIAN COAL MAKES SENSE FOR INDIAN COASTAL PLANTS EVEN WHEN IT IS COSTLIER THAN INDIAN - ECONOMIC TIMES
Rising Indonesian coal production and lower Chinese demand have pulled down Indonesian coal prices by 22% over the last 45 days, a trend that augur ...
Tuesday, 24 April 18
IMO AIMS TO HALVE GLOBAL SHIPPING EMISSIONS - BUT WHAT WILL IT COST? - WOOD MACKENZIE
Global bunker fuel costs could rise by up to US$60 billion annually from 2020, in a full compliance scenario, when the International Maritim ...
Tuesday, 24 April 18
TWO 56K-DWT OPEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE WERE FIXED FOR INDONESIA COAL TRIPS TO CHINA, AT $9,500 AND $11,000 RESPECTIVELY - BALTIC BRIEFING
Capesize
This week has seen the Cape 5 timecharter weighted average almost double. Similarly, the Brazil to China ore rates climbed over $4.50, f ...
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- Straits Asia Resources Limited - Singapore
- PNOC Exploration Corporation - Philippines
- Parliament of New Zealand
- Agrawal Coal Company - India
- Meralco Power Generation, Philippines
- Planning Commission, India
- Karbindo Abesyapradhi - Indoneisa
- Africa Commodities Group - South Africa
- Energy Link Ltd, New Zealand
- Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Philippines
- Mintek Dendrill Indonesia
- Indian Energy Exchange, India
- Coalindo Energy - Indonesia
- GVK Power & Infra Limited - India
- Gujarat Mineral Development Corp Ltd - India
- Star Paper Mills Limited - India
- Latin American Coal - Colombia
- Mercuria Energy - Indonesia
- Bangladesh Power Developement Board
- PetroVietnam Power Coal Import and Supply Company
- Kobexindo Tractors - Indoneisa
- San Jose City I Power Corp, Philippines
- Economic Council, Georgia
- Orica Australia Pty. Ltd.
- Trasteel International SA, Italy
- Jaiprakash Power Ventures ltd
- Eastern Coal Council - USA
- Ministry of Mines - Canada
- Asmin Koalindo Tuhup - Indonesia
- Romanian Commodities Exchange
- Bukit Baiduri Energy - Indonesia
- Parry Sugars Refinery, India
- Bharathi Cement Corporation - India
- Intertek Mineral Services - Indonesia
- TeaM Sual Corporation - Philippines
- Australian Coal Association
- Binh Thuan Hamico - Vietnam
- Vedanta Resources Plc - India
- Videocon Industries ltd - India
- Globalindo Alam Lestari - Indonesia
- Baramulti Group, Indonesia
- Madhucon Powers Ltd - India
- Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
- Electricity Authority, New Zealand
- SMC Global Power, Philippines
- Australian Commodity Traders Exchange
- Larsen & Toubro Limited - India
- Uttam Galva Steels Limited - India
- Tata Chemicals Ltd - India
- Formosa Plastics Group - Taiwan
- Kartika Selabumi Mining - Indonesia
- LBH Netherlands Bv - Netherlands
- Commonwealth Bank - Australia
- Savvy Resources Ltd - HongKong
- Coastal Gujarat Power Limited - India
- Malabar Cements Ltd - India
- SMG Consultants - Indonesia
- Global Coal Blending Company Limited - Australia
- Edison Trading Spa - Italy
- Oldendorff Carriers - Singapore
- Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan
- CIMB Investment Bank - Malaysia
- Indika Energy - Indonesia
- Samtan Co., Ltd - South Korea
- Minerals Council of Australia
- The Treasury - Australian Government
- Wilmar Investment Holdings
- Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. - India
- Power Finance Corporation Ltd., India
- Eastern Energy - Thailand
- MS Steel International - UAE
- Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Philippines
- TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
- Dalmia Cement Bharat India
- Aditya Birla Group - India
- VISA Power Limited - India
- Siam City Cement PLC, Thailand
- International Coal Ventures Pvt Ltd - India
- Cement Manufacturers Association - India
- White Energy Company Limited
- Vizag Seaport Private Limited - India
- Global Green Power PLC Corporation, Philippines
- Ind-Barath Power Infra Limited - India
- Heidelberg Cement - Germany
- Sinarmas Energy and Mining - Indonesia
- Simpson Spence & Young - Indonesia
- SN Aboitiz Power Inc, Philippines
- Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Grasim Industreis Ltd - India
- Bukit Makmur.PT - Indonesia
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited
- Dr Ramakrishna Prasad Power Pvt Ltd - India
- Sakthi Sugars Limited - India
- Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku - Indonesia
- GN Power Mariveles Coal Plant, Philippines
- PTC India Limited - India
- New Zealand Coal & Carbon
- Central Electricity Authority - India
- European Bulk Services B.V. - Netherlands
- Singapore Mercantile Exchange
- Attock Cement Pakistan Limited
- Maheswari Brothers Coal Limited - India
- Sree Jayajothi Cements Limited - India
- Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd - Australia
- IHS Mccloskey Coal Group - USA
- Merrill Lynch Commodities Europe
- Thai Mozambique Logistica
- Bayan Resources Tbk. - Indonesia
- Miang Besar Coal Terminal - Indonesia
- Filglen & Citicon Mining (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
- Central Java Power - Indonesia
- Posco Energy - South Korea
- Kumho Petrochemical, South Korea
- Kaltim Prima Coal - Indonesia
- Mercator Lines Limited - India
- Rio Tinto Coal - Australia
- CNBM International Corporation - China
- Dong Bac Coal Mineral Investment Coporation - Vietnam
- Chamber of Mines of South Africa
- Barasentosa Lestari - Indonesia
- India Bulls Power Limited - India
- Indonesian Coal Mining Association
- Bulk Trading Sa - Switzerland
- Georgia Ports Authority, United States
- Timah Investasi Mineral - Indoneisa
- Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures Inc, Philippines
- Carbofer General Trading SA - India
- South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation
- PowerSource Philippines DevCo
- Sical Logistics Limited - India
- Aboitiz Power Corporation - Philippines
- Indo Tambangraya Megah - Indonesia
- Essar Steel Hazira Ltd - India
- Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence - India
- Anglo American - United Kingdom
- The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
- Ministry of Finance - Indonesia
- Renaissance Capital - South Africa
- Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH - Germany
- Ministry of Transport, Egypt
- Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk - Indonesia
- Pendopo Energi Batubara - Indonesia
- Bhushan Steel Limited - India
- Wood Mackenzie - Singapore
- Indogreen Group - Indonesia
- The University of Queensland
- Pipit Mutiara Jaya. PT, Indonesia
- Kideco Jaya Agung - Indonesia
- AsiaOL BioFuels Corp., Philippines
- Mjunction Services Limited - India
- GAC Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd
- Global Business Power Corporation, Philippines
- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited - India
- Billiton Holdings Pty Ltd - Australia
- ICICI Bank Limited - India
- Borneo Indobara - Indonesia
- Kohat Cement Company Ltd. - Pakistan
- Jorong Barutama Greston.PT - Indonesia
- Standard Chartered Bank - UAE
- Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd - India
- Salva Resources Pvt Ltd - India
- Goldman Sachs - Singapore
- McConnell Dowell - Australia
- Jindal Steel & Power Ltd - India
- Makarim & Taira - Indonesia
- Marubeni Corporation - India
- Sarangani Energy Corporation, Philippines
- Vijayanagar Sugar Pvt Ltd - India
- Altura Mining Limited, Indonesia
- Therma Luzon, Inc, Philippines
- Deloitte Consulting - India
- Banpu Public Company Limited - Thailand
- Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
- Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Independent Power Producers Association of India
- Interocean Group of Companies - India
- Coal and Oil Company - UAE
- Gujarat Sidhee Cement - India
- Bhoruka Overseas - Indonesia
- Bhatia International Limited - India
- Iligan Light & Power Inc, Philippines
- Offshore Bulk Terminal Pte Ltd, Singapore
- Tamil Nadu electricity Board
- Meenaskhi Energy Private Limited - India
- Petron Corporation, Philippines
- Holcim Trading Pte Ltd - Singapore
- Price Waterhouse Coopers - Russia
- Antam Resourcindo - Indonesia
- Sojitz Corporation - Japan
- Semirara Mining Corp, Philippines
- Cigading International Bulk Terminal - Indonesia
- Orica Mining Services - Indonesia
- Xindia Steels Limited - India
- IEA Clean Coal Centre - UK
- Petrochimia International Co. Ltd.- Taiwan
- Riau Bara Harum - Indonesia
- GMR Energy Limited - India
- Thiess Contractors Indonesia
- ASAPP Information Group - India
- Kapuas Tunggal Persada - Indonesia
- Sindya Power Generating Company Private Ltd
- Medco Energi Mining Internasional
- Manunggal Multi Energi - Indonesia
- Lanco Infratech Ltd - India
- Ambuja Cements Ltd - India
- Siam City Cement - Thailand
- Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd - India
- Kalimantan Lumbung Energi - Indonesia
- Metalloyd Limited - United Kingdom
- Truba Alam Manunggal Engineering.Tbk - Indonesia
- OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd - India
- Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd, - India
- Port Waratah Coal Services - Australia
- London Commodity Brokers - England
- Directorate General of MIneral and Coal - Indonesia
- Energy Development Corp, Philippines
- Ceylon Electricity Board - Sri Lanka
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