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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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Wednesday, 22 November 17
CHINA CONSUMES MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE GLOBAL SEABORNE IRON ORE MARKET; PRODUCES AS MUCH STEEL AS THE REST OF THE WORLD COMBINED - CHRISTOPHER T. WHITTY
China consumes more than two-thirds of the global seaborne iron ore market and at the same time produces as much steel as the rest of the world com ...
Monday, 20 November 17
INDONESIAN COAL BENCHMARK PRICE SURGES 0.86% TO $94.80 A TON, GOVERNMENT DATA SHOWS
COALspot.com: Indonesian coal benchmark price surges 0.86% in November compared to declared price in October, the latest ministerial decree showed. ...
Friday, 17 November 17
U.S. PRODUCED 678.8 MMST OF COAL YEAR TO DATE; 9% UP Y/Y, EIA
COALspot.com – U.S., the world’s second largest coal producers have produced approximately totalled an estimated 14.8 million short ton ...
Thursday, 16 November 17
PANAMAX ACTIVITIES HAVE SLOWED DOWN QUITE SUBSTANTIALLY THE LAST WEEK - FEARNLEYS
Supramax
Another week with rates easing over all the Supra routes within Atlantic.
Front hauls from USG got payed around 21-22k daily and ul ...
Thursday, 16 November 17
KOMIPO INVITED BIDS FOR 3.9 MILLION TONS OF 5700 NAR AND 5400 NAR COAL FOR 2018 - 2020 DELIVERY
COALspot.com: South Korea state-owned utility Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO) issued an another new tender for total 3,900,000 Metric Tons of min. 570 ...
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Showing 1871 to 1875 news of total 6871 |
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- South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation
- Electricity Authority, New Zealand
- VISA Power Limited - India
- Gujarat Mineral Development Corp Ltd - India
- Globalindo Alam Lestari - Indonesia
- Deloitte Consulting - India
- SMG Consultants - Indonesia
- Bayan Resources Tbk. - Indonesia
- Tata Chemicals Ltd - India
- Orica Australia Pty. Ltd.
- Bulk Trading Sa - Switzerland
- CIMB Investment Bank - Malaysia
- Savvy Resources Ltd - HongKong
- GMR Energy Limited - India
- Siam City Cement - Thailand
- Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd - Australia
- Coalindo Energy - Indonesia
- Riau Bara Harum - Indonesia
- Merrill Lynch Commodities Europe
- ICICI Bank Limited - India
- GAC Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd
- White Energy Company Limited
- Kideco Jaya Agung - Indonesia
- Altura Mining Limited, Indonesia
- Uttam Galva Steels Limited - India
- Lanco Infratech Ltd - India
- Marubeni Corporation - India
- GVK Power & Infra Limited - India
- Filglen & Citicon Mining (HK) Ltd - Hong Kong
- Interocean Group of Companies - India
- Indika Energy - Indonesia
- Kalimantan Lumbung Energi - Indonesia
- Goldman Sachs - Singapore
- Ceylon Electricity Board - Sri Lanka
- Indo Tambangraya Megah - Indonesia
- Chettinad Cement Corporation Ltd - India
- Thai Mozambique Logistica
- Billiton Holdings Pty Ltd - Australia
- Global Green Power PLC Corporation, Philippines
- Dr Ramakrishna Prasad Power Pvt Ltd - India
- Kapuas Tunggal Persada - Indonesia
- Petron Corporation, Philippines
- Carbofer General Trading SA - India
- Energy Development Corp, Philippines
- Mercuria Energy - Indonesia
- Borneo Indobara - Indonesia
- Ministry of Transport, Egypt
- Agrawal Coal Company - India
- Indogreen Group - Indonesia
- Africa Commodities Group - South Africa
- Malabar Cements Ltd - India
- Baramulti Group, Indonesia
- Parliament of New Zealand
- San Jose City I Power Corp, Philippines
- Medco Energi Mining Internasional
- Metalloyd Limited - United Kingdom
- Independent Power Producers Association of India
- European Bulk Services B.V. - Netherlands
- Heidelberg Cement - Germany
- Alfred C Toepfer International GmbH - Germany
- OPG Power Generation Pvt Ltd - India
- ASAPP Information Group - India
- Kartika Selabumi Mining - Indonesia
- Sojitz Corporation - Japan
- Petrochimia International Co. Ltd.- Taiwan
- The Treasury - Australian Government
- Cement Manufacturers Association - India
- Australian Commodity Traders Exchange
- Madhucon Powers Ltd - India
- Jindal Steel & Power Ltd - India
- Karbindo Abesyapradhi - Indoneisa
- Truba Alam Manunggal Engineering.Tbk - Indonesia
- Mintek Dendrill Indonesia
- Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Posco Energy - South Korea
- LBH Netherlands Bv - Netherlands
- Rio Tinto Coal - Australia
- Eastern Energy - Thailand
- New Zealand Coal & Carbon
- Bukit Baiduri Energy - Indonesia
- Price Waterhouse Coopers - Russia
- Dalmia Cement Bharat India
- Orica Mining Services - Indonesia
- Port Waratah Coal Services - Australia
- Vijayanagar Sugar Pvt Ltd - India
- Eastern Coal Council - USA
- Banpu Public Company Limited - Thailand
- Standard Chartered Bank - UAE
- IEA Clean Coal Centre - UK
- Sical Logistics Limited - India
- Sakthi Sugars Limited - India
- Antam Resourcindo - Indonesia
- Sinarmas Energy and Mining - Indonesia
- Renaissance Capital - South Africa
- Holcim Trading Pte Ltd - Singapore
- Sindya Power Generating Company Private Ltd
- London Commodity Brokers - England
- Minerals Council of Australia
- Xindia Steels Limited - India
- Energy Link Ltd, New Zealand
- Singapore Mercantile Exchange
- PowerSource Philippines DevCo
- Vizag Seaport Private Limited - India
- Gujarat Sidhee Cement - India
- Central Java Power - Indonesia
- Directorate General of MIneral and Coal - Indonesia
- Ind-Barath Power Infra Limited - India
- Pendopo Energi Batubara - Indonesia
- Bhatia International Limited - India
- Ambuja Cements Ltd - India
- IHS Mccloskey Coal Group - USA
- AsiaOL BioFuels Corp., Philippines
- Global Business Power Corporation, Philippines
- Australian Coal Association
- Siam City Cement PLC, Thailand
- Indonesian Coal Mining Association
- Kobexindo Tractors - Indoneisa
- International Coal Ventures Pvt Ltd - India
- SMC Global Power, Philippines
- Asmin Koalindo Tuhup - Indonesia
- Bharathi Cement Corporation - India
- Commonwealth Bank - Australia
- Bangladesh Power Developement Board
- Larsen & Toubro Limited - India
- GN Power Mariveles Coal Plant, Philippines
- Sree Jayajothi Cements Limited - India
- Aboitiz Power Corporation - Philippines
- Mjunction Services Limited - India
- Videocon Industries ltd - India
- Kohat Cement Company Ltd. - Pakistan
- Meralco Power Generation, Philippines
- Offshore Bulk Terminal Pte Ltd, Singapore
- Vedanta Resources Plc - India
- The State Trading Corporation of India Ltd
- Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd, - India
- Economic Council, Georgia
- Georgia Ports Authority, United States
- Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission - India
- Indian Energy Exchange, India
- MS Steel International - UAE
- Therma Luzon, Inc, Philippines
- Wood Mackenzie - Singapore
- Meenaskhi Energy Private Limited - India
- Straits Asia Resources Limited - Singapore
- Bhoruka Overseas - Indonesia
- Maheswari Brothers Coal Limited - India
- Simpson Spence & Young - Indonesia
- Edison Trading Spa - Italy
- Samtan Co., Ltd - South Korea
- Semirara Mining Corp, Philippines
- TeaM Sual Corporation - Philippines
- CNBM International Corporation - China
- Bahari Cakrawala Sebuku - Indonesia
- PTC India Limited - India
- Ministry of Mines - Canada
- Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence - India
- Global Coal Blending Company Limited - Australia
- Cigading International Bulk Terminal - Indonesia
- Kaltim Prima Coal - Indonesia
- Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, Philippines
- Pipit Mutiara Jaya. PT, Indonesia
- Essar Steel Hazira Ltd - India
- Binh Thuan Hamico - Vietnam
- Salva Resources Pvt Ltd - India
- Tamil Nadu electricity Board
- Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Japan
- Sarangani Energy Corporation, Philippines
- Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
- Krishnapatnam Port Company Ltd. - India
- Coal and Oil Company - UAE
- Dong Bac Coal Mineral Investment Coporation - Vietnam
- Karaikal Port Pvt Ltd - India
- Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Philippines
- Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
- Intertek Mineral Services - Indonesia
- Oldendorff Carriers - Singapore
- Bhushan Steel Limited - India
- India Bulls Power Limited - India
- Central Electricity Authority - India
- Planning Commission, India
- PetroVietnam Power Coal Import and Supply Company
- PNOC Exploration Corporation - Philippines
- Asia Pacific Energy Resources Ventures Inc, Philippines
- Makarim & Taira - Indonesia
- Barasentosa Lestari - Indonesia
- Anglo American - United Kingdom
- Parry Sugars Refinery, India
- Wilmar Investment Holdings
- TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd - Malaysia
- Chamber of Mines of South Africa
- Manunggal Multi Energi - Indonesia
- Jorong Barutama Greston.PT - Indonesia
- Miang Besar Coal Terminal - Indonesia
- Coastal Gujarat Power Limited - India
- Formosa Plastics Group - Taiwan
- Iligan Light & Power Inc, Philippines
- SN Aboitiz Power Inc, Philippines
- Grasim Industreis Ltd - India
- Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk - Indonesia
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited
- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited - India
- Bukit Makmur.PT - Indonesia
- Ministry of Finance - Indonesia
- Timah Investasi Mineral - Indoneisa
- Kumho Petrochemical, South Korea
- Thiess Contractors Indonesia
- Latin American Coal - Colombia
- McConnell Dowell - Australia
- Star Paper Mills Limited - India
- The University of Queensland
- Jaiprakash Power Ventures ltd
- Attock Cement Pakistan Limited
- Romanian Commodities Exchange
- Aditya Birla Group - India
- Trasteel International SA, Italy
- Mercator Lines Limited - India
- Power Finance Corporation Ltd., India
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