Promoting Sustainable Cooperation: Icelandic-Polish Seminar Explores Geothermal and Green Energy Partnerships

20 July 2023

A well-attended seminar held in Warsaw on June 14 showcased the growing interest in Icelandic-Polish cooperation concerning geothermal energy, renewable energy sources, energy security, carbon disposal, and storage. Organized by Green by Iceland, the Embassy of Iceland in Poland, Orkustofnun The National Energy Authority, and the MEERI PAS organization in Poland, the event brought together leading companies, speakers, and government representatives from both nations.

The seminar provided a platform for in-depth discussions on joint opportunities between Iceland and Poland in the clean energy sector. Notably, Polish authorities have significantly increased funding for geothermal energy as part of their commitment to energy transition and improved energy security, aligning with government policies in recent years.

Presentations at the symposium emphasized technical and innovative solutions to accelerate the energy transition. Key topics included enhanced energy security and Poland's potential to reduce emissions, following the country's energy, environment, and climate plan within the EEA Development Fund.             

• Hannes Heimisson, Iceland's ambassador to Poland, highlighted the opportunities arising from the opening of the Icelandic embassy in Poland, fostering further cooperation between the two countries, especially in geothermal energy, green energy exchange, and energy security. Photo:Baldur Pétursson

The Polish government delegation, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arkadiusz Mularczyk and others, expressed growing interest in bilateral cooperation. They admired Iceland's activities in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and explored potential areas for further collaboration in this field. The importance of the EEA grant system was emphasized, and local governments in Poland recognized the potential benefits of the work conducted on their behalf.

Professor Krzysztof Galos, CEO of MEERI PAS, discussed successful bilateral cooperation projects with Iceland. Representatives from MEERI PAS and Orkustofnun described large geothermal projects in collaboration with other countries, anticipating significant carbon dioxide emission reductions in Poland through projects funded by the EEA Development Fund.

The seminar marked a significant growth in cooperation between Poland and Iceland in the geothermal, renewable energy, environmental, and climate sectors, supported by plans and projects under the EEA grant agreement. Powerful energy companies from both countries actively participated, sharing valuable experiences and insights into the vast possibilities available through continued collaboration.

• From left. Paweł Sałek, Minister in the Chancellery of President Andrzej Duda, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Poland, Halla Hrund Logadóttir Director General, Orkustofnun, and Hannes Heimisson, ambassador of the Icelandic embassy in Poland. Photo: Icelandic embassy in Poland

For instance, the Icelandic company EFLA has expanded operations in Poland, employing around 40 experts and engaging in various electricity transmission and energy projects. Verkís and ÍSOR have also been involved in several geothermal projects, while Arctic Green Energy participates in multiple projects across Poland.

Halla Hrund Logadóttir, CEO of Orkustofnun, moderated the discussions and delivered a summary that highlighted the significant growth in Icelandic-Polish cooperation in the clean energy sector. Feasibility studies, expert visits, and collaboration with the Energy Agency and MEERI PAS have deepened the understanding of geothermal utilization, paving the way for further projects and partnerships.

All the papers presented at the symposium are available on Green by Iceland website providing resources and insights for those interested in sustainable energy cooperation.

• From left: Maciej Miecznik, Beata Kepinska, Krzysztof Galos from MEERI PAS Poland, Halla Hrund Logadóttir og Baldur Pétursson from Orkustofnun. These institutions have worked on several cooperation geothermal projects within the EEA Grant in past years. Photo: Icelandic embassy in Poland.

In particular, collaborative feasibility studies conducted in Poddebice and various locations across Poland, in partnership with the Energy Agency, MEERI PAS, and other local experts, have significantly enhanced our comprehension of the potential for geothermal energy utilization. These initiatives have not only deepened our understanding but have also laid a robust foundation for future projects and business collaborations.

The ongoing KeyGeothermal project, a joint endeavor among these institutions, encompasses comprehensive geothermal training programs within Poland, educational excursions to Iceland, and expert exchanges between Icelandic and Polish cities.

• Persons from Green by Iceland, Icelandic embassy in Poland, Orkustofnun and MEERI PAS and the Ministry of Environment and Climate in Poland. Photo: B. Pétursson.