The city of Katowice, once the heart of Poland’s coal mining and today a shining example of just transition in action, yesterday joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), a global coalition of governments, cities and regions, and businesses committed to phasing out coal power in favour of clean energy. The announcement, coinciding with the start of Poland’s EU Presidency, highlights the Polish government’s role in accelerating the energy transition domestically and across the EU.
From Industrial Legacy to Climate Leadership
Katowice is the capital of Upper Silesia – one of Poland’s and Europe’s largest mining regions. For decades, coal was the backbone of the city’s economy and culture. However, as the environmental and social costs of coal dependency became evident, Katowice strived to find new sources of economic development and create new, better jobs. Today, the city still hosts two mines and one coal power plant, but it also has a diversified economy centred on services, technology and culture.
To accelerate its own transition away from coal and share its experience with other coal-dependent cities and regions across the world, Katowice is joining the PPCA – the world’s first international initiative aimed to protect the climate and accelerate economic development by rapidly moving away from unabated coal-fired power generation. The Alliance was initiated by Canada and the UK in 2017.
Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice City said: “Katowice can be a model for other cities pursuing a sustainable transformation. The gradual departure from heavy industry did not bring high social costs in our city. Today, the unemployment rate in Katowice is one of the lowest in the country and stands at 1%. By joining the alliance, we will be able to share our experience with other cities and regions dependent on coal around the world. But it is also a chance for us to learn about the best environmentally friendly solutions.”
Anna Clunes, British Ambassador to Poland, said: “UK encourages all countries and regions to commit to accelerated coal phase-out, as switching to renewables and other clean energy sources supports energy security and embraces the economic opportunity of the century.”
Catherine Godin, Canadian Ambassador to Poland, said: “Katowice joining the PPCA is a great step forward for Poland. Canada is pleased to support cities like Katowice in their efforts to transition away from coal and build a more sustainable future.”
Local activism and collaboration international organizations such as Climate Reality Project, CAN Europe, and WWF Poland have been a cornerstone of Katowice’s success.
Patryk Białas, a city councilor, chairman of Climate and Environment Commission in City Council and prominent climate activist said: “Katowice can be a beacon for other industrial cities navigating similar challenges. By joining the PPCA, Katowice embraces a leadership role on the international stage and sends a powerful message: transformation is possible, even for cities built on coal. Through determination, collaboration, and innovation, Katowice is proving that sustainable development is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality.”
Katowice is the sixth Polish member of the PPCA after Wielkopolska, Eastern Wielkopolska, Koszalin, Wałbrzych and the utility company ZE PAK. By joining the PPCA, the city commits to phase out coal-fired power generation, both through local government activities and in cooperation with local businesses, promote clean energy sources and ensure a just transiton for employees and local communities.
The transformation of Katowice gained momentum with several key milestones. In 2018, the city’s hosted the UN Climate Summit COP24, showcasing its efforts to confront its industrial legacy through sustainable urban practices. In 2023, through the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), the city committed to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% compared to the base year 1990, prioritise investments in green infrastructure, and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
ENDS
Katowice press release and photos from the signing ceremony are available here: https://www.wkatowicach.eu/informacje/w-katowicach/Katowice-jak-Nowy-Jork-czy-Sydney.-Przystapily-do-PPCA–inicjatywy-majacej-na-celu-ochrone-klimatu-Zdjecia/idn:8296
For more information, please contact:
Anna Drazkiewicz, PPCA Communications Manager
00 32 487 32 45 62
anna.drazkiewicz@poweringpastcoal.org
