Actions for Education and Culture Undertaken in 2024

For this reason, they are one of the priorities of the Polenergia Group. In 2024, we implemented a range of educational projects aimed not only at sharing knowledge but also at inspiring proactive ecological actions.

As part of its climate education initiatives, Polenergia supports secondary schools by providing funding for teaching materials, specialized equipment, and by sharing practical knowledge about renewable energy sources.

These activities are integral to the Sustainable Development Strategy of the Polenergia Group, which prioritizes collaboration with educational institutions near Polenergia’s projects. In 2024, Polenergia’s support included:

• High School No. 1 in Nowa Sarzyna: Polenergia sponsored the Hydrogen Technology class (located in the Municipality of Nowa Sarzyna, near the Nowa Sarzyna CHP plant),

• Technical and Vocational School Complex named after John Paul II in Żuromin: Polenergia supported a class focused on preparing students for the profession of technician for renewable energy devices and systems (located in the Municipality of Żuromin, near the Dębsk Wind Farm)

In April 2024, students from the Hydrogen Technology class participated in H2Poland, the largest hydrogen trade fair in Poland, held in Poznań. Seventeen students attended professional discussions, panels, and workshops. Furthermore, they actively participated in presentations organized by Polenergia on career opportunities in the hydrogen industry. The trip to the trade fair was funded by Polenergia.

In September 2024, Polenergia established a partnership with the Technical and Vocational School Complex named after John Paul II in Żuromin. This collaboration involves providing academic support to students preparing for careers as technicians in renewable energy devices and systems. The class also received financial assistance to purchase equipment necessary for conducting practical lessons.

In November and December 2024, Polenergia specialists conducted practical and theoretical sessions on preparing for the construction and operation of wind farms. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and consult on their planned career paths in the field of renewable energy.

In 2024, Polenergia became a Strategic Partner of the Energy Academy for the fifth time, an initiative organized by the Lesław Paga Foundation. This project aims to support young managerial talent interested in advancing their knowledge of the energy market in Poland.

The Energy Academy is designed for students (from their second year of studies) and graduates (up to 26 years old) who wish to enhance their leadership skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector in Poland and globally. The 13th edition of the Energy Academy was held under the theme “ENERGY FOR GENERATIONS.”

Thanks to Polenergia’s business model, which encompasses the construction and operation of projects, the sale of its own green energy, and the development of electromobility, Polenergia experts were able to take participants on a journey into the world of sustainable energy for the future, one that supports local communities and biodiversity. Participation in the Energy Academy offers the chance to embrace new standards, challenges, and modern solutions.

In November 2024, Polenergia for the second time became a Strategic Partner of the ESG Leaders Academy, organized by the Lesław Paga Foundation. The second edition of the Academy aims to provide participants with knowledge and practical skills in the field of sustainable development, particularly in creating ESG strategies within organizations. This program is a continuation of the Business Women’s Academy, which Polenergia partnered with in 2022. Thanks to the involvement of the Polenergia Group’s ESG team, it has since been transformed into a program focused on training specialists in sustainable development.

In collaboration with experts from BIO-EKSPERT, the Polenergia Group organized a series of workshops focused on biodiversity protection. The main topic was “Biodiversity Protection – Cavity-Nesting Birds.” The workshops took place in primary schools in the municipalities of Grabowo, Rajgród, Kwilcz, as well as in a kindergarten in the municipality of Żuromin.

A total of 19 workshops were conducted, with 435 students and 41 teachers and caregivers participating. Students gained knowledge and skills through hands-on experiences, educational games, and activities.

For the second year in a row, students had the opportunity to participate in three workshops on the following topics:

• How is energy obtained from renewable sources, using the example of photovoltaic farms? – This topic was presented by the managers responsible for overseeing Polenergia’s photovoltaic farm in Sulechów.
• What is the life of bees like? – A workshop with a beekeeper who takes care of the beehive owned by Polenergia, located at the photovoltaic farm. At the end, each participant had the chance to make their own beeswax candle.
• Insects Among Us – A workshop led by an entomologist from the University of Zielona Góra, who introduced participants to the fascinating world of insects.

The activities of municipal cultural centers and public libraries are of great importance to local communities. The Polenergia Group supports their work by providing funding for organizing workshops and courses open to all members of the local community. Additionally, cultural centers and libraries can apply for funding to purchase necessary accessories, equipment, stationery, and prizes for events such as literary and art competitions.

Polenergia responds to the needs of municipalities in organizing key local events. The company provides funding for organizing harvest festivals, Family Day, Children’s Day, and other events significant to the members of local communities. The funding specifically includes attractions for children.

Educational institutions involved in the Play Green with Us!^® educational program have the opportunity to set up eco-friendly booths with educational and ecological competitions and activities during harvest festivals or other local events. Prizes for the competitions are provided by Polenergia.

In 2024, eco-friendly booths were organized by schools from the following locations: Skurpie (area of the Skurpie Wind Farm), Krzęcin (area of the Krzęcin Wind Farm), Nowa Sarzyna (area of the Nowa Sarzyna CHP Plant and H2Hub Nowa Sarzyna), Grabowo (area of the Grabowo Wind Farm), and Niegosławice (area of the Mycielin Wind Farm).

Polenergia’s companies, MFW Bałtyk II and MFW Bałtyk III, regularly carry out information and educational activities related to the development of offshore wind farm projects. These activities include organizing workshops for representatives of the public sector, government administration, and local authorities. The workshops focus on the coordination of maritime traffic during the construction and operation of offshore wind farms, providing a platform for transparent dialogue and enhancing the qualifications of national professionals. This initiative aligns with the policy of both companies to spread knowledge and exchange experiences with representatives of administration and institutions directly involved in the development of the offshore sector in Poland.

The aim of the project is to spread knowledge about offshore wind energy among younger generations, the resulting benefits for the climate and the region, as well as the new career opportunities it offers.

Eduoffshore Wind is the largest educational event in the country, focused on introducing the job market in the green energy sector, especially in offshore wind farms. In 2024, the event gathered around 100 exhibitors from innovative sectors of offshore wind and hydrogen energy, as well as over 8,000 high school students, university students, graduates, and individuals seeking career change opportunities. The Baltic projects stand attracted hundreds of young people who had the opportunity to speak with Polenergia representatives about career prospects and the opportunities offered by working in the offshore industry.

In 2024, the companies MFW Bałtyk II and MFW Bałtyk III continued their collaboration with the City of Rumia and Rumia Invest Park under the project “Wind Energy – Energy of Freedom”, which was co-financed by the WFOŚiGW in Gdańsk and the NFOŚiGW within the Regional Program for Supporting Environmental Education (2023 edition). As part of the project, a series of workshops were held at primary and secondary schools in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, aimed at developing the region’s workforce potential.

In June 2024, Polenergia, in collaboration with Equinor, opened Poland’s first exhibition on offshore wind energy at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk. The exhibition, titled “Baltic. The Sea of Green Energy”, showcases the process of wind formation, the history of its use, and the immense potential of the Baltic Sea for the development of offshore wind energy. Visitors to the exhibition can see photos and films illustrating the development of offshore wind energy.

The exhibition also features a range of unique exhibits donated by key suppliers of components for the Baltic offshore wind farms. These include segments of marine cables, ship models, and a transformer station fan. The heart of the exhibition is an interactive model that walks visitors through the stages of building offshore wind farms. Nearby, there is also an educational area where workshops and lectures are held. The exhibition is located on the third floor of the Maritime Culture Center, a branch of the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, at Tokarska 21/25. The exhibition is open during the museum’s operating hours.

Grupa Polenergia’s activities in the field of environmental education represent a valuable practice that can inspire other companies to undertake similar initiatives. Engaging in environmental and climate education not only contributes to sustainable development but also creates a positive impact on the community. We firmly believe that such initiatives are steps towards a better future.