There is no energy transition without copper. It gives KGHM great opportunities for further growth. It is estimated that to meet the demand generated by progressive technological changes related to ecology and sustainable development, approximately 22 million tons of copper will be needed in the coming years – emphasized Paweł Ernst, Director of Strategy and Strategic Projects Implementation Department in KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. during the debate entitled “Key raw materials for the future economy” during the 590 Congress in Warsaw.
Panel participants discussed opportunities and threats for Polish companies posed by the dynamically progressing process of adjusting the global economy to the principles of sustainable development and related changes in the European regulatory environment. The debaters did not hide the fact that the occurring processes are already a huge challenge for their companies, but they also emphasized the potential of the green economy in creating new opportunities for their development.
“There is no energy transition without copper. This offers KGHM great opportunities for further growth. It is estimated that around 22 million tonnes of copper will be needed in the coming years to meet the demand generated by ongoing technological changes related to ecology and sustainable development. This allows us to look to the future with optimism,” said Paweł Ernst, Director of the Strategy and Strategic Project Implementation Department at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
As indicated by Ernst, the social, economic and technological megatrends currently observed around the world are favourable for KGHM, as they are causing a marked increase in demand for copper.
“Both the increasing digitalization and urbanization, as well as all the phenomena related to ecology and sustainability, are increasing the demand for copper. It is needed to make photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, electric cars, electronic devices, and many other products without which the economy of the future cannot function. This creates huge opportunities for KGHM,” Ernst said.
Ernst was also asked about the threats to his company from the increasing demands placed on carbon-intensive industries by European regulations.
“We are aware of these threats, although I would call them more of a challenge. On the one hand, of course, they are connected with certain costs that we have to incur for investments to comply with the restrictive requirements imposed on us by the European Union. We try to mitigate the resulting risks by optimizing processes and using the latest technologies. On the other hand, the external environment puts significant pressure on us in this sphere. I think of informed citizens, informed consumers, the public, investors or politicians. The challenge for us is to meet these high expectations to reduce our emissions and to implement the latest technologies to help us do so,” Ernst emphasized.
In the panel “Key raw materials for the future economy” which took place during the 590 Congress in Warsaw participated Paweł Ernst – Director of Strategy and Strategic Projects Implementation Department in KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., Sylwia Pawlak – Innovation Director of LOTOS S.A. Group and Wojciech Racięcki – Director of Innovative Program Management Development Department, National Centre for Research and Development.