The conference will bring together representatives of local authorities, NGOs and academia and will provide an opportunity to discuss the main challenges faced by institutions implementing large-scale projects aimed at introducing renewable energy in their regions. Beneficiaries of the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme will also discuss recommendations for both potential future beneficiaries and donors, in order to facilitate implementation of similar projects in future.
Under the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme, 21 thousand families in 53 municipalities in the regions of Małopolskie, Świętokrzyskie and Podkarpackie will receive solar systems for heating domestic water and 160 additional systems will be installed in public utility buildings. Additionally, 101 public utility buildings will be equipped with photovoltaic installations. Switzerland provided between 45%-85% of the total costs and the so-called end-beneficiaries have paid up to 30% of the cost of systems installed in their houses. It is estimated that the projects will result in reduction of 30,000 tonnes of pollutants per year.
Due to the scale of the investment, the projects have a pilot potential and may significantly contribute to promotion of solar energy and to addressing fuel poverty. They have been coordinated by regional authorities whose role is to direct support to residents, selected based on socio-economic criteria, including among others the type of fuel used (coal, gas, wood or electricity), income level and location in areas protected under the NATURA 2000 environmental programme.
Main topics that will be discussed next week:
the impact of individual households on air pollution,
why investments in renewable energy coordinated by municipalities/local authorities are more effective than direct subsidies for individuals,
the role of municipalities’ commitment to replace traditional heating sources with renewable energy in reducing fuel poverty,
economic effects in the context of calculating financial implications of environmental pollution,
the role of solar projects in implementing regional plans of sustainable development and low-emission strategies,
educational and informational campaigns as an example of engaging local communities in activities aimed to protect the environment in the regions,
quality requirements and systems of monitoring ecological and economic effects.
As part of the Swiss Contribution to the enlarged European Union, Switzerland has supported Poland with 489 million Swiss francs for promoting economic growth and improving working conditions, improving social security, improving public safety, protecting the environment and strengthening civil society and partnerships between Switzerland and Poland. Approximately 110 million Swiss francs have been assigned to supporting the use of renewable energy sources in order to improve air quality, protect the environment and prevent diseases. The projects are expected to have a long lasting impact on promotion of low emission solutions and energy efficiency in Poland.
Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme (Swiss Contribution) is a part of non-returnable financial aid programme for the enlarged European Union. Beneficiary countries include Poland and 11 other EU member states which joined on 1st May 2004. Switzerland's support is an expression of solidarity with new EU member states and lays ground for stable economic and political connections with them.
„Investments in renewable energy as an opportunity for sustainable development of Polish municipalities”
9th of June 2016, Kraków, Auditorium Maximum, ul. Krupnicza 33
[ Full agenda ] (in English)
[ Full agenda ] (in Polish)
If you wish to participate, please fill out the [ registration form ].
Details:
Sylwia Slomiak
Programme Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, Swiss Contribution Office
sylwia.slomiak@eda.admin.ch
