Introduction

ISD launched a public debate (on national level) with regards to the objectives of energy policy and it’s role as instrument of climate policy.  The goals are to show possible integration of the energy and climate policy, and to promote renewable energy strategies and energy efficiency.  Good practice of energy planning on the local level are the tools for implementation of the Alternative Energy Policy for Poland until 2030.
Objectives and target audience
Objectives:-

• To influence the decision makers to create sustainable goals and solutions for the energy policy;
• To create a public debate on energy future for Poland;
• To eliminate the barriers impeding progressive climate policy through creating an alternative policy of energy sector;
• To promote renewable energy strategies and energy efficiency;

Public consultation involved: representatives of NGOs, public administration, industry, energy sector and trade unions; The project is mostly addressed to policymakers, lawmakers, public officials, professionals and journalists;

Financial Resources and Partners involved

Total budget: 396,29 thousand PLN
National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management/ Poland
OAK Foundation/Europe
Heinrich Boell Foundation/Poland

Process

The identification of dilemmas for the energy policy in their priority order for representatives of NGOs, public administration, industry, energy sector and trade unions;
The preparation of policy options integrating the dilemmas identified in seminars;
The conference (including press briefings) addressed to the policy makers. Presentation of the draft scenarios of the energy policy options in the context of the EU climate policy;
The preparation of a preliminary draft of the energy policy, including an analysis of  the major problems and specifying: (i) objectives of the alternative policy, (ii) principles to be followed in its implementation, (iii) course of action, (iv) framework proposal for instruments for its implementation;
A debate with invited experts on the proposed version of energy policy.  The aim is to obtain the experts’ opinions on the quality of the proposed document and the conditions which should be met to ensure that the proposed document is likely to be implemented;
The preparation a of document which integrates the remarks and comments from debate;
Public consultations of the prepared document with all the stakeholders who took part in the earlier work and the organization of four open regional meetings together with the members of the Climate Coalition (network of NGO’s in Poland) to increase public awareness on the proposed alternative energy policy;
The preparation of a final version of the document describing the alternative energy policy in three versions of the publication:  technical report,  document for politicians and  brochure for  public.  The preparation of material for the press.  Printing  publications.  The document for politicians will be translated into English and Russian.
The summing-up conference, along with a press conference, on the possibility and necessity of changing the Polish energy policy and implementing active climate policy. The conference will bring together professionals, policymakers, lawmakers and public officials.
Shipment of publications.

Results

The basic product will be a document presenting the alternative Polish energy policy in three editions:  technical report,  document for politicians and  brochure for  public. These papers will be published and placed on website.
The direct involvement of a group of approximately 750 individuals in the process of developing alternative energy policy through their participation in meetings and consultations.  Moreover, the visitors of the website of the Institute (10.000 persons in a year) will be indirectly involved.
Creation of the informal network, an exchange of the opinions and mutual understanding of the positions of different stakeholders participating in the process (NGOs, local/regional governments, industry, administration).
Creation the basis to build a partnership/critical mass for changing the existing energy policy, which is environmentally unsound and does not take into account the needs of climate protection.
The increased public awareness of the significance of the energy policy for climate protection.
As a result of these actions, in long term, Poland’s dependence on the coal-based energy sector and its GHG emissions should be reduced.  This should allow for increased involvement Poland’s involvement in the European and international climate protection actions.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

The Conference of Parties of Climate Convention that will take place in Poland during December 2008 as well as UE Energy Package dissuasion create a good atmosphere for the project evaluation.  There is much public interest with regards to energy and climate aspects.
There is a need of public debate on energy scenarios.
Setting up the ambitious goals for integration of the climate and energy policy on a national level, and will this influence the regional and local policies.
The most important opportunity to utilise the results of the project making the EU Fund during the period of 2007 – 2013 more climate friendly. It will bring an increase of energy efficiency as well as avoidance of future GHG emission.
The project can be successfully transferred to other countries, spatially New member States of EU as well as candidates countries or some Newly Independent States such as Ukraine.