Poznań - the heart of the Polish energy sector

Over forty specialists from Poland and abroad came to Poznań today. Together, they search for answers to the most current questions relating to the future of the energy sector. The first day of the International Scientific and Industrial Congress Energi@21 is behind us. 

The Congress was opened by Agnieszka Woś, the Director of the Department of Key Companies of the Ministry of Treasury, President of Tauron - Dariusz Luber, Mayor of Poznań - Jacek Jaśkowiak and the event's host, President of Enea - Krzysztof Zamasz. - Poznań will be the heart of the Polish energy sector for two days - emphasised Krzysztof Zamasz. - We cannot imagine the future of the energy sector without innovation - he added. 

The issue of innovation dominated the discussions today. - We think of an innovative energy company in a comprehensive way. We need a culture of innovativeness - says Mariusz Swora, the Chairman of the Congress's Programme Board. Peter Fox-Penner emphasised that the source of innovation is various technologies used by customers. According to Marek Jamison the best way to search for them is cooperation with universities. - Innovativeness is a state of mind, readiness for changes - added Prof. Witold Orłowski from PwC. - We do not invest in innovative solutions to be innovative, but to be competitive - summed Michał Jarczyński from Enea Operator, reminding of the problem of energy exclusion. - What is more expensive than expensive energy is lack of energy - added Mr. Jarczyński.

Panel participants discussed also the energy market in EU, including the debate in progress relating to RES. The future of the energy sector was also discussed. - It is a very strange sector which must plan the operations for years while not knowing the future - said Prof. Witold Orłowski in the panel opening the Congress. Stathis Peteves emphasized the customer optics of an energy company operation. - The customer is interested in light and heat, and not electricity - he explained. Great attention was devoted to the issue of energy security. As emphasised by Jean-Arnold Vinois of Institut Jacques Delors Notre Europe, energy is a part of the concept of sovereignty of EU's member states. Is has indicative consequences for any trials to develop a common energy market. - Members of the European Union, as an example, unwillingly share their energy infrastructure - explained Vonois.

On the first day three discussion panels took place which were devoted to the social and economic areas of an energy company's operation in the 21st century, innovative energy enterprises, energy security and transformations on the European market.

Tomorrow, on the second day of the Energi@21 Congress, six new panels will be held and a debate titled "What may be done jointly for the Polish energy sector to be more innovative?".

Updated information on Energi@21 Congress to be found on energy21.pl, Twitter @Energy21Poznan and Facebook - Kongres Energia21 profile.