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Polish PM: coal guarantees energy independence

30.11.2019 16:10
Coal mining guarantees energy independence and low electricity prices, Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has said, according to a report by the Polish News Agency PAP.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaking at an event organized by state-owned PGG, the countrys biggest coal mining firm, on Saturday, November 30.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaking at an event organized by state-owned PGG, the country’s biggest coal mining firm, on Saturday, November 30.Photo: PAP/Hanna Bardo

Speaking at an event organized by Poland's state-run PGG mining group in Katowice, Upper Silesia, the Polish PM stressed, however, that as a EU member Poland has to take into account the bloc’s climate objectives.

 “We have to adjust our policies, that is why we are striving to ensure the best possible  conditions for the Polish coal mining sector,” PM Morawiecki said in his speech on Saturday.

Poland has been under pressure from Brussels to cut down on its coal consumption and embrace greener sources of energy.

The country produced 63.4 million tonnes of hard coal last year, 86 percent of the European Union’s output, according to Eurostat, the bloc’s statistics agency.

The event in Katowice comes ahead of traditional ‘Barbórka’ – St. Barbara’s day – celebrated by miners across Poland on December 4.

During the holiday traditional ceremonies are held in regions where mining is most common, such as Upper Silesia.

(ał)

Source: PAP