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Silesian University of Technology is the leader of the Net-Zero Poland project
Silesian University of Technology undertakes groundbreaking research on decarbonization of the national economy – our University is the leader of the Net-Zero Poland project implemented in cooperation with Princeton University, the Institute of Power Engineering - National Research Institute and Carbon-Free Europe. The aim is to develop technological, social and investment paths that will enable achieving net zero emissions of greenhouse gases in Poland in 2050.
Net-Zero Poland is a unique initiative combining scientific research, technological modelling as well as social issues related to the energy transformation and decarbonization of the economy. The project will consist of accurate mapping of energy infrastructure and industrial facilities and indicating practical solutions for decarbonization of various sectors of the economy.
– We will try to determine the costs, including social costs, of net zero emissions for the Polish economy by 2050, covering all sectors, i.e. energy, agriculture, industry, transport – explains the project leader, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Skorek-Osikowska from the Department of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery at the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering. – We will try to determine very precisely, at the level of counties and municipalities, where new generation sources, new transmission lines or other elements of energy infrastructure should be located.

Researchers from the Silesian University of Technology follow the Net-Zero America project, which was implemented in the United States by Princeton University, a partner of the Net-Zero Poland project alongside the Carbon-Free Europe initiative and the Institute of Power Engineering – National Research Institute.
“There are many different ways to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions, our study has identified 5 different pathways for the United States,” - said Research Professor Eric D. Larson, Princeton University, the leader of Net-Zero America. “I believe that for every country there are possible ways to achieve climate neutrality, but that means moving away from the solutions we are used to. Poland is a particularly difficult country due to the high dependence of the economy on coal, but if we show how zero net emissions can be achieved here, in a sense Poland will become a leader for Europe and show how to conduct such research in other countries” - adds Eric D. Larson.

The first phase of the project, led by Carbon-Free Europe and the Evolved Energy Research team, focused on macroscale modelling of the energy system for Poland. In the second phase, led by the Silesian University of Technology, this modelling will be developed and enriched with detailed maps of the distribution of energy infrastructure, investment forecasts, as well as analyses of the impact on society and the environment. The research will take two years.
– The project requires a very wide range of competences, because we must look first of all at the limitations related to networks and the power system, but also determine the trajectories of the sector’s development in several variants, the Institute of Power Engineering – the National Research Institute is the leader of this area – emphasizes Prof.Dr Hab. Eng. Jakub Kupecki, Director of IEN-PIB. – On the other hand, it is necessary to understand very well what the possible cost and technological options are. We have European regulations, legal acts, and Polish legislation, which are juxtaposed in order to be able to determine what is really the boundary condition of the whole analysis. We want to show the range of possible actions, and the project covers the perspective of several decades. During the implementation of Net-Zero Poland, we will engage a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the project responds to the current needs of industries and sectors that will be the subject of transformation – adds Professor Kupecki.

from the left: prof. Anna Skorek-Osikowska, prof. Eric D. Larson, prof. Jakub Kupecki
The results of the project will determine what investments in energy infrastructure are needed and where they should be deployed, how the development of renewable energy sources and zero-emission technologies will affect local communities, what benefits the reduction of air pollution will bring to public health, and how the energy transition will affect employment in energy and industry sectors.
“Our research will allow us to prepare rational but also workable action plans and facilitate decision-making related to the energy transition,” adds Prof. Anna Skorek-Osikowska, noting that the project also involves a broad involvement of stakeholders, from political decision-makers, through entrepreneurs, to local communities. “The energy transition requires cooperation at every level, only in this way can we achieve common climate goals.”
Net-Zero Poland is an undertaking that can significantly affect the future of Poland and the competitiveness of the national economy. With the support of science, broad international cooperation, and the involvement of stakeholders, it will contribute to the energy transition that will meet the climate challenges but also bring socio-economic benefits.
– “The very preparation of such a project with the participation of global partners and, above all, obtaining a grant requires a lot of work” – says Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Ireneusz Szczygieł, Vice-Dean for Science and Cooperation of the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering. “This is a great success for our scientists, I am convinced that the Net-Zero Poland project will be the beginning of long-term cooperation between partners,” adds the Vice-Dean.
The Net-Zero Poland project is financed from philanthropic sources, its implementation received funding in the amount of USD 2 million.
More about the Net-Zero Poland project in the next episode of the Silesian University of Technology podcast "Will Poland meet climate requirements?"
We invite you to listen to a conversation with Prof. Anna Skorek-Osikowska and Prof. Eric D. Larson.