Challenges of Energy Transition and the Labor Market in Silesia

Energy transition in Poland is a topic gaining significance in the context of global climate change and efforts to achieve climate neutrality.
As part of the energy transition policy for 2024-2040, the Polish government has set ambitious goals aimed at developing the energy sector towards renewable energy sources (RES) and increasing energy efficiency.
This policy not only aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also to introduce innovative technologies that can contribute to the sustainable development of the economy. However, this evolution has a double-edged nature.

What are the negative consequences for the Silesian labor market?

Although necessary to achieve climate neutrality, energy transition in Poland comes with significant negative effects that may impact local communities. It is estimated that by 2040, between 70,000 and 100,000 jobs in the mining and energy sectors could be eliminated.
Such a scenario not only means job loss for many workers in coal mines and affiliated companies but also a range of social consequences typically accompanying a rise in structural unemployment in regions heavily dependent on the coal industry.

How to mitigate negative social effects?

The closure of the mine will have a direct impact on local communities, leading to the destabilisation of their economies and a deterioration in the quality of life of the residents. This concerns particularly in districts such as Katowice, Bytom and Ruda Śląska, which were affected by mine closures in previous decades. The Dąbrowa Basin is in a similar situation – the region includes counties such as Dąbrowa Górnicza and Sosnowiec, always strongly linked to the coal and steel industries. The somewhat less well-known Wodzisław County, also has a strong dependence on the coal sector, making it one of the regions most vulnerable to the energy transition.

‘The energy transition is a major challenge for Silesia, which has historically based its economy on mining. In the current situation, it becomes crucial to support those losing their jobs and to create strategies to enable a smooth transition to new industries. Only this can mitigate the effects of the transformation and contribute to strengthening the regions affected by these changes. It is also important to have close cooperation between the government, local governments and businesses in order to create conditions conducive to the development of innovative technologies that create new jobs,’ explains Agnieszka Kolanowska, Strategic Partnership Manager of Smart Solutions HR agency in Katowice.

Positive effects of the energy transition

The development of renewable energy sources (RES) and ‘green’ energy generation technologies is creating significant opportunities, with the projected creation of between 300,000 and 500,000 new jobs in the coming years. As the country undergoes an energy transition, there is a growing demand for specialists in wind turbine construction, photovoltaic panel production and energy storage technologies. These innovative sectors not only contribute to the fight against climate change, but also have the potential to become the foundation of a new economy based on green energy. Among the new specialisations related to the RES sector, the most common professions are renewable energy equipment and systems engineer, renewable energy equipment fitter, waste management technician and renewable energy equipment and systems technician. The prospects are promising, as according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), our country’s photovoltaic industry alone employed 57,600 people in 2021, the highest number of full-time jobs in Europe.

Additionally, investments in RES have the potential to reduce Poland’s dependence on fossil fuel imports, which will strengthen the country’s position in the energy market. Thanks to local energy production from renewable sources, Poland can become more independent and energy stable. In this way, the energy transition not only responds to environmental challenges, but also opens new horizons for the professional and economic development of regions affected by changes in the traditional sector.

What is the Employment Status in the Mining Sector?

The current state of mining in Silesia is the result of long-term changes that have taken place in the sector over the years. According to data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS), the number of miners in Poland has been systematically declining. By the end of 2024, the industry employed 71.3 thousand people, representing a significant decrease compared to 1990, when approximately 388 thousand people worked in the sector. This drop in employment is directly linked to the energy transition process, which necessitates the restructuring of the region’s economy.

In response to these changes, Silesia faces new opportunities for development. These transformations open the door to sectors related to renewable energy sources and innovative technologies, which can contribute to the creation of new jobs.

As the region transitions from a traditional coal industry to a more sustainable economy, it will be crucial to support workers in the process of retraining and adapting to new market conditions. This transformation not only presents challenges but also opportunities for modernizing the region and improving the quality of life for its residents.

What Changes Await the Coal Mining Sector in Silesia?

In the face of upcoming changes, Silesia stands before numerous opportunities that could redefine its future. Agnieszka Kolanowska highlights that the closure of coal mines brings significant consequences for local communities that have relied on the coal industry for years. These challenges include not only the loss of jobs but also the necessity to transform the region’s economy. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging in industries such as renewable energy, thermal modernization, electromobility, and network infrastructure. Miners may find employment in roles such as welders, machine operators, machine assemblers, or construction workers.

‘Silesia’s readiness for change is crucial in this process. The region possesses significant potential, but to fully capitalize on the emerging opportunities, support in education and workforce retraining is essential. Introducing training programs and collaborating with local educational institutions can help miners and other sector workers adapt to the new market realities. Only through proper preparation and investments in skill development can the energy transition bring benefits to both the region and its residents,’ adds the Smart Solutions HR manager.

However, statistics from Smart Solutions HR reveal concerning trends. In a surveyed group of individuals benefiting from mining pensions (eligible after 40 years of work), 52% expressed no desire to take on any employment, while 25% were only interested in occasional work that did not require retraining. Only 23% of respondents re-entered the labor market and decided to retrain. These figures indicate that there is significant employment potential in the local labor market, which could accelerate the region’s economic growth.

What is needed to activate the potential of the Silesian labour market?

A key element of this process is to develop and fund training programmes that are tailored to the needs of former coal workers. An individualised approach to career counselling will identify the strengths and potential career paths for each of them, which will increase their employability in new industries.
As an HR expert, I would like to emphasise that the situation related to miners’ redundancies requires special attention and well-planned measures. A key task is to develop an adaptation strategy for the redundant workers to help them find their way in the new realities of the labour market. Its key aspects must include training and retraining programmes, consultation with vocational counsellors and the preparation of attractive terms and conditions of employment. These may include loyalty programmes, additional benefits or flexible forms of cooperation. An information campaign will also be needed to build trust and show the real benefits of returning to the labour market,’ enumerates Oleksandr Gaiduk from the Smart Solutions HR agency.

What are our risks if we do not carry out change in a planned way?

The biggest threat is the lack of a plan that takes into account the needs of local communities. The long-term risks associated with a chaotic energy transition could have serious consequences for regions such as Silesia. Without a proper action plan, there is a risk of mass unemployment and impoverishment of local communities that have depended on the coal industry for years. Faced with the uncertainty of the transition, skilled workers may decide to emigrate in search of more stable working conditions, further weakening local labour markets. Such a scenario could lead to economic and social destabilisation, which will only exacerbate the problems of adapting to the new market realities.
In summary, in the face of these challenges, the need for a long-term strategy becomes crucial. The development of a comprehensive plan that takes into account both economic and and social aspects, is essential to minimise the negative effects of the transition. Key elements of such planning should include investment in education and retraining of workers, support for local businesses and the development of innovative technologies. Only through thoughtful action can it be ensured that the energy transition benefits not only the environment, but also the people of the affected regions.