PKP Cargo is working with PKP Energetyka to obtain green energy from RES.

On October 29, 2020, during the Program Council of the Center for Railway Energy Efficiency, PKP Cargo and PKP Energetyka signed a letter of intent confirming their cooperation in the creation of the most effective and innovative solutions that will enable PKP CARGO to use electricity produced from Renewable Energy Sources.

Sustainable development and care for the environment are important areas for PKP CARGO and PKP Energetyka. At the same time, both companies are striving to increase the competitiveness of both the entire sector and their businesses. So far, the companies have cooperated under contracts for the distribution and sale of electricity and have been active in industry initiatives such as the Luxtorpeda Cluster or the Railway Energy Efficiency Center. Now this long-standing cooperation is being expanded to include the development of a model for the use of electricity, produced in installations  RES, which will power the carrier's infrastructure.

"Railway companies across Europe are committed to increasing freight. PKO CARGO is a member of an international agreement of railroad companies, and we are aiming for 30 percent of freight to be carried by train in 2030. This is a very ambitious goal, achievable as long as railroads become even more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Hence the idea to work intensively on using energy from the sun and wind to power our infrastructure. We chose a partner with whom we have a long-standing relationship backed by substantive knowledge of energy solutions. We have a concrete plan that will make PKP Cargo self-sufficient in a few years when it comes to powering our buildings." -  said Czeslaw Warsewicz, president of PKP Cargo.

The COVID-19 crisis has caused a shortage of truck drivers, restrictions on sea and air transportation in many countries and regions. As a result, the cost of truck, sea or air transportation has skyrocketed compared to the cost of rail transportation. This has made the presence of rail in the supply chain a major advantage. Appreciating this trend, PKP Cargo and PKP Energetyka want to go one step further. They know that there is development potential in renewable energy, but also a source of innovation that can become an element of competitive advantage.

"The Green Railway is a strategic project for the entire industry, the integration of which we take responsibility for. In order to achieve the targets, i.e. 85% of energy from RES already in 2030, we are already moving from the concept phase to implementation. The pace must be fast, which is why we are setting up a dedicated business unit at PKP Energetyka and launching a prepared list of projects that make up the nearly $10 billion program. We are pleased to have the support and commitment of most rail companies. Green Railway is not only about changing the energy mix but also about moving towards zero-carbon for the sector's companies. That's why we were happy to take on a joint, ambitious task with PKP Cargo.  More green energy on the railroads means an increase in passenger and freight transport flows, which will become unrivaled year after year in terms of eliminating negative environmental impacts."- s 

Wojciech Orzech, president of PKP Energetyka, commented.

Under the signed letter of intent, the companies agree to exchange information necessary for the preparation of the plan and implementation of projects

investments related to prosumer and renewable energy. PKP Energetyka, understanding the needs of rail customers, will actively support PKP Cargo in the implementation of energy projects. The first stage related to matching prosumer installations will begin later this year. The next steps of cooperation related to launching larger renewable energy installations for PKP Cargo's own purposes are planned in the coming years.