Poland is no stranger to the challenges of a coal phase-out. The country has already undergone a significant transition in the 1990s, which saw employment in the coal mining sector drop by a staggering 75% between 1990 and 2015. Now, as Poland prepares for another major shift away from coal, with a target phase-out date of 2049, the focus is on ensuring a just transition for the workers and communities that have long relied on the industry.
At the heart of this transition is the Silesia region, a coal mining powerhouse that is also one of the most economically developed areas in Poland. Silesia boasts the second-highest gross disposable income per capita in the country, trailing only behind the capital region of Warsaw. The region is home to the EU's largest coal mining workforce, with 78,500 workers directly employed in the sector and an estimated 21,000 indirectly dependent on it. In the most affected counties, up to 20.27% of the working-age population relies on coal mining for employment. Beyond direct employment, addressing the ripple effects on indirect jobs is crucial. An estimated 20,957 employees in Silesia face imminent risk of layoffs, while an additional 30,210 are classified as vulnerable.
Polish regions most affected by coal phaseout
The impending coal phase-out threatens to disrupt not only the livelihoods of these workers but also the cultural fabric of the region. Coal mining has been an integral part of Silesian identity for generations, with miners enjoying an elevated social status and a strong sense of community. As the mines close, policymakers must navigate the delicate balance between economic transformation and preserving the region's heritage.
Complicating matters further, Silesia is grappling with a demographic decline that could lead to significant labor shortages in the coming years. The region faces a natural population decrease of 5.76 persons per 1,000 people annually, compounded by a negative net internal migration of 0.8 persons per 1,000. While this trend may offset some of the job losses from the coal phase-out, it also highlights the need to attract new industries and skilled workers to the region.
To ensure a just transition for Silesia's coal workers, retraining and upskilling programs needs to be made a priority. Younger miners, who make up the majority of the workforce with an average age below 50 and an average of 15 years of mining experience, can be the primary focus of these efforts. By aligning retraining with the needs of growing industries, such as automotive manufacturing, steel production, and IT services, workers can transition to well-paying jobs in sectors with strong growth potential. Silesia's highly industrialized economy, with a gross value added exceeding the Polish average, presents ample opportunities for job creation. This being said, previous efforts to retain miners in the labor market have had limited success. Simply put, past policies made leaving the workforce more appealing than staying in the labor market.
Exploring new energy sectors, such as energy efficiency and renewable energy jobs, commonly referred to as “green jobs,” presents another avenue for creating new employment opportunities. A report on the Bełchatow coal region highlights the sheer potential of green jobs, which could create six times the number of jobs currently existing in mining in the region, if the country leverages the EU Just Transition Territorial Plan funds. It must be noted that solar and wind jobs are not particularly popular with miners. Even though training programs for wind farms and solar employment have begun, only ten percent of Polish miners viewed the solar and wind sector as a viable alternative. Factors such as the nature of the work, lower salaries, and perceptions of the green industry “replacing” traditional jobs present challenges. In a similar vein, interviews with U.S. coal miners revealed apprehension about the low pay and temporary nature of renewable energy sector jobs. Hence, exploring technologies outside of solar and wind, such as low-enthalpy geothermal or nuclear energy, could be promising.
For older miners nearing retirement, a different approach may be necessary. Providing opportunities to work on mine cleanup projects or offering phased retirement plans can help bridge the gap until pension eligibility. This approach not only supports workers financially but also leverages their expertise in ensuring the safe and responsible closure of mines.
As Silesia navigates this transition, it has the chance to redefine its identity and emerge as a leader in green industrialization. By investing in renewable energy jobs, such as geothermal or nuclear power, and promoting energy efficiency initiatives, the region can create new employment opportunities while contributing to Poland's decarbonization goals. Silesia's highly educated workforce positions it well for this transformation.
