The second study visit of the MOLOC project was organised in Katowice (13-14 June 2018). It was a great opportunity to gather all partners and exchange on practices and issues faced by local authorities in the development of a low-carbon strategy. The meeting focused mainly on energy transition. The energy context at the Polish and Silesian level have been explained. Actions and projects against air pollution and promotion of energy efficiency measures were highlighted.
The meeting kicked-off with an officiel welcome by Professor Krzysztof Stanczyk, the Head of the Department of Energy Saving and Air Protection of the Central Mining Institute. He stressed out the necessity for a transition towards a cleaner and a more efficient energy mix.
Later, the President of Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency, Szymon Liszka presented the issues faced by Poland and Katowice in the energy transition. He outlined the necessary transition from an economy based on coal to clean and efficient energy. He mentionned that renovation of public buildings was a great priority. Buildings renovation is a key sector to fight against climate change.
Daniel Wolny, the Head of Energy Management Office of the City of Katowice explained the Low-Carbon Economy Plan of the City, which is the Policy instrument addressed by the MOLOC project. The plan includes a strategy and an action related to sustainable and climate friendly economic growth. Within MOLOC, the development of a model for assessing and monitoring the implementation of the strategy is beind developed.
Visits on site were organised to illustrate the morning présentations:
- Eko-Patrol: the Central Mining Institute developed a mobile unit monitoring the emission of CO2 and a drone mapping the emissions coming from chimneys. The objective of the map is to build awareness and inform people about low-quality air in Katowice.
- GPP Business Park: It is a zone of modern business activities and innovation located in a former industrial site, focused on technological development. The park is an energy efficient complex build with high-environmental standards, renting office spaces to companies. Different solutions are in place to meet high energy efficiency (BMS, heat recovery system, high termal insulation, Rainwater recycling...)
- Technology Park Euro-Centre: the park offers laboratories, research equipments, training and consultant services. It is focused on the development of energy efficient technologies and energy saving in buildings. It also coordinates the activities of the Cluster of Energy Saving Technology. All buildings are built on energy efficiency principles. One of them is an innovative passive building, which has been honoured with a Green Building Award. It sets an example of succesful implementation of energy saving systems and renewable sources.
At the end of the study visit, partners exchanged on the progress of the project, especially about the local analysis on obstacles to low-carbon city. For all of them, study visit, discussions with local partners and best practices are real assets in the implementation of a low-carbon model and help them in the elaboration of their action plan.
In September, MOLOC partners will head to Hamburg for the third study visit. See you in Hamburg !
