Brussels, 17/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has, in July, approved large-scale energy projects in Poland that will be co-funded by the EU. Gas and wind power will receive support from European structural funds.
The European regional development fund (ERDF) will contribute €233.7 million to building a liquefied natural gas terminal in western Pomerania. This project will bring numerous benefits to the region by ensuring the diversification of energy sources, security of supply and a reduction in CO2 emissions. European Commissioner for Regional Development Policy Johannes Hahn said that “this project will stimulate growth in the region and bring other investments, as well as increase the labour force employed in the construction and management of the terminal. The citizens themselves will benefit from the supply of cleaner energy. It is also an important investment for the security of energy supply in Poland and in neighbouring countries”.
On 10 July, the Commission also approved another major energy project in the region of Lubuskie. The level of the European contribution is, however, of a different dimension because only €10 million of cohesion funding will be invested in the wind farm. 600 jobs will be created directly and indirectly from this development. The clean energy produced will also help to ensure better energy supply to the region, as well as help to improve the air quality. (MD/transl.fl)