German politiciansdid not draw attention to the Polish energy sector, calling for the closure of coal plants as shortly as possible, in peculiar power plants in Bełchatów. In their opinion, the contamination from Poland “moves over Germany”, which raises their concerns. However, these calls are being made erstwhile Germany itself launchesIf all its coal power plants are concerned, their credibility in the fight against climate change is called into question.
Germany criticises Poland but increases emissions themselves
The Minister of Environment of Lower Saxony, Christian Meyer of the Green Party, in an interview with the paper "Bild", stated that "Poland must comply with EU rules and the Tusk Government's decision to retreat coal from usage taken in 2024 should be rapidly implemented". Meyer besides warned that “more clouds of contamination from 14 coal power plants and thousands of private coal heating systems will arrive in the coming days.”
The German paper did not leave a dry thread in Poland, writing about “the next toxic cloud of air from Polish power plants towards Germany”. However, it is worth recalling that in January of this year Germany launched all its coal plants. The German energy company Lausitz Energie Mining AG (Leag) reported that "in order to guarantee safety of supply, we have launched all available coal units". They operate “with full efficiency” and conventional power production methods are essential to keep the stableness of the full energy network.
Hamburg accuses Poland of 35% smog
Green organization Senator Jens Kerstan besides spoke on this issue. He claims that his city receives as much as 35% smog from Poland. "Everyone should follow our example, whether at national level or across state borders, due to the fact that the weather and climate just don't halt at state borders," Kerstan said.
Although German politicians stress the request for global cooperation in the fight against climate change, their own actions rise doubts. The launch of all coal-fired power plants in Germany to guarantee energy stableness is contrary to their call to reduce emissions in Poland.
Poland on the road to energy transformation
Poland has decided to retreat coal from usage until 2049, and Donald Tusk's government plans to accelerate this process from 2024. However, energy transformation is simply a long-term process, requiring immense investments in renewable energy sources and infrastructure modernisation. German criticism, although partially justified, seems to ignore these challenges.
Summary
German politicians criticise Poland for emissions from coal power plants while expanding its own usage of coal. Although global cooperation in the fight against climate change is essential, German action raises questions about its credibility. Poland, despite the challenges, takes steps towards energy transformation, but this process requires time and support.
Read more:
Germany demands closure of Bełchatów Power Plant
