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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, 12 April 18
ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE
KNOWLEDGE TO ELEVATE
On 26 March 2018 Mr Justice Knowles determined that the berth warranty ‘always accessible’ must mean the vess ...
Wednesday, 11 April 18
CHINA UTILITIES PLAN NEW COAL IMPORT PRICE INDEX TO CURB VOLATILITY - REUTERS
China’s major utilities are preparing to launch their own coal price index for imports, an official at China Huaneng Group said, in a move th ...
Wednesday, 11 April 18
US-CHINA TARIFF THREATS RAISE GLOBAL TRADE RISKS - FITCH
Escalating tariff proposals by the U.S. and Chinese governments are increasing the risks of a full-blown trade war, says Fitch Ratings. The most li ...
Tuesday, 10 April 18
BUMA GRANTED ADDITIONAL LOAN FACILITY FROM BTMU TO SUPPORT GROWTH
Press Release: PT Delta Dunia Makmur Tbk. is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama ("BUMA"), signed an a ...
Monday, 09 April 18
APRIL INDONESIAN COAL PRICE REFERENCE DROPS TO LOWEST IN 2018
COALspot.com: According to latest ministerial decree, the Indonesian Coal Price Reference (HBA) decline 6.98 per cent in April 2018 compared to Mar ...
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- Commonwealth Bank - Australia
- Mintek Dendrill Indonesia
- Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd - India
- Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd - Australia
- New Zealand Coal & Carbon
- Sarangani Energy Corporation, Philippines
- Kartika Selabumi Mining - Indonesia
- The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
- Central Java Power - Indonesia
- IHS Mccloskey Coal Group - USA
- Standard Chartered Bank - UAE
- European Bulk Services B.V. - Netherlands
- Truba Alam Manunggal Engineering.Tbk - Indonesia
- Energy Link Ltd, New Zealand
- Global Business Power Corporation, Philippines
- Marubeni Corporation - India
- London Commodity Brokers - England
- Chamber of Mines of South Africa
- Cigading International Bulk Terminal - Indonesia
- International Coal Ventures Pvt Ltd - India
- Coal and Oil Company - UAE
- Sojitz Corporation - Japan
- Central Electricity Authority - India
- IEA Clean Coal Centre - UK
- Attock Cement Pakistan Limited
- AsiaOL BioFuels Corp., Philippines
- Sree Jayajothi Cements Limited - India
- GN Power Mariveles Coal Plant, Philippines
- White Energy Company Limited
- McConnell Dowell - Australia
- Bukit Baiduri Energy - Indonesia
- Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH - Germany
- Bulk Trading Sa - Switzerland
- Australian Coal Association
- Coastal Gujarat Power Limited - India
- Metalloyd Limited - United Kingdom
- Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures Inc, Philippines
- Electricity Authority, New Zealand
- Indo Tambangraya Megah - Indonesia
- Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd, - India
- Energy Development Corp, Philippines
- Gujarat Mineral Development Corp Ltd - India
- Aboitiz Power Corporation - Philippines
- Ind-Barath Power Infra Limited - India
- PowerSource Philippines DevCo
- Vedanta Resources Plc - India
- Sical Logistics Limited - India
- Latin American Coal - Colombia
- Bayan Resources Tbk. - Indonesia
- Orica Mining Services - Indonesia
- San Jose City I Power Corp, Philippines
- Kaltim Prima Coal - Indonesia
- Cement Manufacturers Association - India
- Port Waratah Coal Services - Australia
- Kideco Jaya Agung - Indonesia
- The University of Queensland
- Tamil Nadu electricity Board
- Africa Commodities Group - South Africa
- Banpu Public Company Limited - Thailand
- Price Waterhouse Coopers - Russia
- Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Philippines
- Essar Steel Hazira Ltd - India
- VISA Power Limited - India
- South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation
- Madhucon Powers Ltd - India
- Mercuria Energy - Indonesia
- Sakthi Sugars Limited - India
- Miang Besar Coal Terminal - Indonesia
- Carbofer General Trading SA - India
- Edison Trading Spa - Italy
- Indian Energy Exchange, India
- Binh Thuan Hamico - Vietnam
- Riau Bara Harum - Indonesia
- Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. - India
- Mjunction Services Limited - India
- Eastern Energy - Thailand
- Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
- Deloitte Consulting - India
- Economic Council, Georgia
- Manunggal Multi Energi - Indonesia
- Trasteel International SA, Italy
- Indonesian Coal Mining Association
- Filglen & Citicon Mining (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
- Simpson Spence & Young - Indonesia
- Kohat Cement Company Ltd. - Pakistan
- Renaissance Capital - South Africa
- Bhushan Steel Limited - India
- Grasim Industreis Ltd - India
- Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Philippines
- Directorate General of MIneral and Coal - Indonesia
- Parry Sugars Refinery, India
- Antam Resourcindo - Indonesia
- SMG Consultants - Indonesia
- Uttam Galva Steels Limited - India
- Baramulti Group, Indonesia
- Ministry of Transport, Egypt
- Pendopo Energi Batubara - Indonesia
- Minerals Council of Australia
- The Treasury - Australian Government
- Rio Tinto Coal - Australia
- Malabar Cements Ltd - India
- Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd - India
- Planning Commission, India
- Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk - Indonesia
- Semirara Mining Corp, Philippines
- Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku - Indonesia
- Offshore Bulk Terminal Pte Ltd, Singapore
- Gujarat Sidhee Cement - India
- Ceylon Electricity Board - Sri Lanka
- Eastern Coal Council - USA
- Jorong Barutama Greston.PT - Indonesia
- Dr Ramakrishna Prasad Power Pvt Ltd - India
- Coalindo Energy - Indonesia
- OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd - India
- Bukit Makmur.PT - Indonesia
- Maheswari Brothers Coal Limited - India
- Mercator Lines Limited - India
- Thai Mozambique Logistica
- Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Ministry of Finance - Indonesia
- Asmin Koalindo Tuhup - Indonesia
- Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited
- GAC Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd
- Videocon Industries ltd - India
- Parliament of New Zealand
- Samtan Co., Ltd - South Korea
- Jaiprakash Power Ventures ltd
- Timah Investasi Mineral - Indoneisa
- Billiton Holdings Pty Ltd - Australia
- PTC India Limited - India
- Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence - India
- Makarim & Taira - Indonesia
- Altura Mining Limited, Indonesia
- MS Steel International - UAE
- Straits Asia Resources Limited - Singapore
- Independent Power Producers Association of India
- PNOC Exploration Corporation - Philippines
- Globalindo Alam Lestari - Indonesia
- Larsen & Toubro Limited - India
- Vizag Seaport Private Limited - India
- Interocean Group of Companies - India
- Singapore Mercantile Exchange
- ASAPP Information Group - India
- Sindya Power Generating Company Private Ltd
- Petron Corporation, Philippines
- Intertek Mineral Services - Indonesia
- Kobexindo Tractors - Indoneisa
- Borneo Indobara - Indonesia
- Petrochimia International Co. Ltd.- Taiwan
- Siam City Cement PLC, Thailand
- Agrawal Coal Company - India
- Global Coal Blending Company Limited - Australia
- Meenaskhi Energy Private Limited - India
- Indika Energy - Indonesia
- Power Finance Corporation Ltd., India
- Xindia Steels Limited - India
- Thiess Contractors Indonesia
- Kapuas Tunggal Persada - Indonesia
- Indogreen Group - Indonesia
- Sinarmas Energy and Mining - Indonesia
- Kumho Petrochemical, South Korea
- TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
- Lanco Infratech Ltd - India
- Australian Commodity Traders Exchange
- Dalmia Cement Bharat India
- GMR Energy Limited - India
- India Bulls Power Limited - India
- Bharathi Cement Corporation - India
- Bhoruka Overseas - Indonesia
- Salva Resources Pvt Ltd - India
- Wood Mackenzie - Singapore
- Ambuja Cements Ltd - India
- Global Green Power PLC Corporation, Philippines
- SMC Global Power, Philippines
- Meralco Power Generation, Philippines
- TeaM Sual Corporation - Philippines
- Barasentosa Lestari - Indonesia
- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited - India
- Orica Australia Pty. Ltd.
- Karbindo Abesyapradhi - Indoneisa
- Kalimantan Lumbung Energi - Indonesia
- Medco Energi Mining Internasional
- Bhatia International Limited - India
- GVK Power & Infra Limited - India
- Vijayanagar Sugar Pvt Ltd - India
- Tata Chemicals Ltd - India
- Pipit Mutiara Jaya. PT, Indonesia
- Ministry of Mines - Canada
- Merrill Lynch Commodities Europe
- SN Aboitiz Power Inc, Philippines
- Aditya Birla Group - India
- Siam City Cement - Thailand
- Bangladesh Power Developement Board
- ICICI Bank Limited - India
- Wilmar Investment Holdings
- Heidelberg Cement - Germany
- Therma Luzon, Inc, Philippines
- Formosa Plastics Group - Taiwan
- Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Holcim Trading Pte Ltd - Singapore
- Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
- Savvy Resources Ltd - HongKong
- Georgia Ports Authority, United States
- Dong Bac Coal Mineral Investment Coporation - Vietnam
- Jindal Steel & Power Ltd - India
- Oldendorff Carriers - Singapore
- Anglo American - United Kingdom
- Star Paper Mills Limited - India
- CNBM International Corporation - China
- CIMB Investment Bank - Malaysia
- PetroVietnam Power Coal Import and Supply Company
- Romanian Commodities Exchange
- Posco Energy - South Korea
- Iligan Light & Power Inc, Philippines
- LBH Netherlands Bv - Netherlands
- Goldman Sachs - Singapore
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