The Silesian Voivodeship is located in the southern part of Poland. The area of the Silesian Voivodeship covers 12,333 km2, which is almost 4% of the country's area. Inhabited by 4.5 million people, this area is characterised by the highest population density in Poland - there are 369 people per 1 km2. It is also the most industrialised region in Poland. In Silesia, there are significant amounts of natural resources, on the basis of which the largest industrial district in the country was created, playing a decisive role in the national economy as the basis of the national fuel and energy balance.
The Silesian Voivodeship is the largest mining region in the European Union, which has been undergoing a process of transformation for almost 30 years. However, it is today, on the threshold of the implementation of the European Green Deal, in the face of global climate and economic challenges, as well as the not yet fully understood consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with the European Union's climate and energy policy, the ambitious goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Role in RIPEET
Silesia, due to the set goals and the adopted policy direction, requires support in the efficient implementation of changes.
Therefore, the participation in the RIPEET project as well as cooperation and exchange of knowledge in the international arena will be an important step on the path of energy transformation. Substantive support and the experience of other European countries will allow all participants to broaden their knowledge and avoid possible mistakes.
About the region
Local ecosystem
The Network of Regional Specialist Observatories (SO RIS) has been operating in the Silesian Voivodeship since 2013, which is a partner platform for managing the innovation ecosystem in the region and conducting the process of entrepreneurial discovery. The network brings together the most important regional institutions (12 entities) of the scientific and research community and business environment institutions. It is a space for communication and cooperation, as well as data exchange between these environments. The most important institutions in the field of energy include:
- Science and Technology Park Euro-Centrum
- Observatory of Technologies in the field of Energy, Central Mining Institute
- Observatory of Technologies in the field of Environmental Protection
- Silesian University of Technology
- University of Silesia.
In addition to the institutions involved in SORIS, the Silesian Voivodeship has a network of stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Hydrogen Valley in the region, which brings together 29 entities. Many years of cooperation with numerous entities allow to cooperate and exchange knowledge on many levels. Selesia has an interdisciplinary group of experts, which together with regional authorities, acting on the basis of a quadruple helix, creates regional policy.
Energy best practices implemented by the region
- The Silesian Voivodeship was established in 2013 as one of the first Energy Technology Observatories, led by the Euro-Centrum Science and Technology Park. The Observatory operates as part of the Network of Regional Specialist Observatories
- Śląsko-Małopolska Dolina Wodorowa Association aims to support the development of the hydrogen economy and strive to build a branch of the Silesian-Malopolska hydrogen industry, including one based on the production of hydrogen in the electrolysis process with the use of energy obtained through renewable energy installations, as well as its use in thermal energy, transport, infrastructure and industry. The association will also conduct research, investment and implementation works, as well as act to protect the environment and promote pro-ecological attitudes among young people, entrepreneurs and local communities.
- The Silesian Voivodeship, as part of the LIFE program, implements the project “Slaskie. We bring back the blue. Comprehensive implementation of the Air Protection Program for the Silesian Voivodeship ", the aim of which is comprehensive measures to improve air quality in the Silesian Voivodeship, enabling the effective implementation of the Air Protection Program for the Silesian Voivodeship