As part of the implementation of the operation “SAŠA Centre for Just Transition”, the Savinjska-Šaleška Region Development Agency organised a study visit to the coal mining town of Konin in Poland between 4 and 7 November 2024.

The delegation consisted of representatives from the Velenje Coal Mine, the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant, representatives from the TEŠ trade union, the Employment Service of Slovenia, and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities.

The purpose of the visit was to transfer good practices and discuss challenges, opportunities, and experiences between regions facing the abandonment of coal mining and use.

As part of the programme, participants met with representatives of the Konin Regional Development Agency, which is involved in the implementation of the Just Transition Fund projects and the “Job After Coal” project for the retraining of workers in the energy sector, as well as with representatives of the Pątnów Thermal Power Plant trade unions and public and private employment agencies. They also visited the Konin Thermal Power Plant, which now uses biomass instead of coal to produce energy, and also produces hydrogen on site, which will be used as fuel for city buses.

Participants listened to a presentation of new educational programmes, visited the engineering laboratories of the University of Applied Sciences in Konin, and learned about the history of coal mining in Eastern Greater Poland through a visit to the Regional Museum in Konin.

All stakeholders agreed that they want to develop the best solutions for the future of their regions, especially those that will be most affected by the transition process.