The European Green Deal is one of the priorities of the European Commission. Will it be postponed a bit due to the escalation of the war in Ukraine?
No. The European Green Deal is a long-term strategy for the development of the European Union; its implementation is necessary and in the vital interest of the entire European economy. As far as Poland is concerned, this applies in particular to the energy sector. If we had been investing more in RES and changing the proportions in the energy mix for years, we would have been paying less for electricity today.
The medium and long term does not invalidate the short-term priorities. We have to survive the coming winter. Energy security in the short term wins out over sustainability. In the long term, energy independence of Poland and Europe can largely be addressed by renewable energy sources and a shift towards green energy.
The ongoing conflict has further confirmed the need for an urgent and fundamental transformation. The events of recent months have made it clear that energy independence based on low- and zerocarbon sources is not only the answer to the climate challenge but also a matter of security and economic stability. It is also a foundation to drive the development and competitiveness of the Community.
The banking sector has been encouraging the public and companies to take care of the environment with various mechanisms for years. Are they still popular in the era of high interest rates and financial uncertainty?
From the perspective of BOŚ, the interest in green projects in the four main sectors – energy, construction, transport, and industry – is not waning. The interest in renewable energy sources is clearly noticeable, especially in the energy sector. This is, paradoxically, due to high energy prices, which make it easier to finance green projects, even with high interest rates.
