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The Climate Congress of Poland is one of the most significant events dedicated to green transition, energy transition, sustainable development, and climate adaptation strategies. It gathers business leaders, government representatives, experts, and NGOs to shape Poland’s climate policy and accelerate its transition toward a more sustainable future.
As part of the Polish Climate Congress, Fredrik Udd, Managing Partner at Explore Markets and Vice-Chairman of the Swedish-Polish Chamber of Commerce, participated in the panel: Success Stories from International Markets in Green Transition and Legislative Needs of the Polish Market. This is his insight:
Sweden’s Green Transition: A Model for Poland
Sweden, along with other Nordic countries, has long been a pioneer in sustainable development and green transition. The Swedish approach to sustainability is deeply embedded in its corporate and public sectors. Swedish investors in Poland share this commitment, focusing on long-term investments and sustainability standards. Notably, there are 700+ Swedish companies in Poland employing over 110,000 people, and 93% of their profits have been reinvested in Poland over the last five years.
Leading Swedish companies such as IKEA, Volvo, and Stena Recycling are actively shaping Poland’s green transformation through investments in renewable energy, circular economy initiatives, and sustainability-focused supplier requirements. Research by the Scandinavian-Polish Chamber of Commerce (SPCC) and the Embassy of Sweden in Poland indicates that the majority of Swedish investors enforce strict sustainability criteria on their suppliers and collaborators, ensuring environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.
Strengthening the Swedish-Polish Partnership
The importance of the Swedish-Polish partnership is growing. The two countries share strategic goals and values, making them natural allies in the green transition. The recent Strategic Partnership Agreement further strengthens collaboration, while the Swedish-Polish Chamber of Commerce has experienced rapid growth in membership, including many Polish companies eager to engage with Sweden’s expertise in sustainable development.
Key Learnings from Sweden’s Green Transition
Sweden has set an ambitious goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. To achieve this, Sweden has developed a National Strategy for Circular Economy Development, recognizing that industrial emissions must be reduced through innovation and new technologies.
A crucial takeaway for Poland is the need for a holistic approach that combines different solutions across industries. Sweden focuses on six key pathways for industrial transformation:
- Energy and material efficiency
- Hydrogen technologies
- Biomass utilization
- Electrification of industry
- Carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCS)
- Carbon capture and utilization (CCU)
Sweden’s public sector plays a key role in setting sustainability goals, providing financing incentives, and implementing regulatory frameworks that drive transformation. The Swedish Energy Agency’s Industry Leap initiative and various green financing programs support businesses in transitioning towards sustainability.
Applying Sweden’s Model to Poland’s Industrial Sector
Poland’s green transformation must consider its unique starting points, particularly regarding its energy mix. Unlike Sweden, where hydropower and nuclear power account for 70% of electricity production, Poland relies heavily on coal. However, Sweden’s approach highlights that a combination of top-down regulations and bottom-up industry initiatives can accelerate change.
Key takeaways for Poland’s industry transition include:
🔹 Public sector leadership: The Swedish government drives transformation through clear policies, funding, and regulatory frameworks. Initiatives like The Industry Leap support companies in reducing emissions.
🔹 Strategic focus on high-emission industries: Sweden prioritizes three sectors responsible for 80% of industrial CO₂ emissions:
- Iron & steel (38%)
- Refinery & chemical (26%)
- Mining & mineral (17%)
🔹 Mindset shift: In Sweden, sustainability is seen as profitable, creating a “pull effect” where businesses actively seek green solutions.
Poland’s Green Transition: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite progress in renewable energy, Poland still faces obstacles in achieving large-scale industrial decarbonization. What steps can Poland take?
✅ Sustainability = Competitiveness – Investors prioritize green energy and ESG-compliant supply chains. Companies that embrace sustainability will gain an edge in global markets.
✅ Legislation must drive change – Key reforms in wind energy regulations, grid infrastructure, and permitting processes will unlock investment potential.
✅ Long-term mindset – Green investments should be seen as strategic, long-term commitments, not short-term costs.
✅ Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) – PPAs have been key to Sweden’s success, providing stable energy prices for industries while accelerating renewable energy adoption.
Poland has the potential to become Europe’s green industry powerhouse. The key? Cheap, clean energy and a strong policy framework.
Poland’s Green Future: The Time to Act Is Now
Poland is at a turning point. With record growth in renewables, rising investor demand for green business practices, and increasing collaboration with Swedish partners, the country has an opportunity to become a leader in sustainable industry and clean energy.
Let’s Connect!
Explore Markets actively supports the green transformation in Poland, helping clients in the green energy and cleantech sectors expand into CEE markets. After all, more Swedish businesses in Poland means stronger technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and expertise in green investments. Are you looking to explore business opportunities in Poland’s green transition? Let’s talk!
