Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, PhD – new Partner in the Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG Practice Group and Head of the Nuclear Energy Practice
Infrastructure and Energy have always been critical areas of the economy. If well managed and invested in, they ensure the stable functioning of the country in every aspect, and their condition has a direct impact on the quality of our life and the sustainability of the complex system in which we function.
And it’s currently an interesting time for the Polish energy sector, as it is facing probably the biggest challenge in its history.
Transition to renewable, green energy and investment in Poland’s first nuclear power plant require gigantic investments, international cooperation and bold decisions, including a completely new way of thinking about our country’s energy security.
That is why we need real professionals in this field, industry-recognised specialists with international experience and contacts.
Such an internationally recognized expert is Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, PhD, Attorney at Law, Partner in the Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG Practice Group and Head of the Nuclear Energy Practice.
An expert who understands the challenges of transition
Łukasz knows the Polish Energy Industry inside out, and is also familiar with Infrastructure and Environmental issues. As a former manager of important industry institutions and companies, he has unique professional experience, which he uses in his academic work and in the management of international, expert industry organizations.
He was the President of the National Atomic Energy Agency, where he supervised nuclear facilities. As Director of the Environmental Impact Assessment Department at the General Directorate for Environmental Protection he analysed and was responsible for environmental proceedings for key infrastructure projects in the country. As Vice-President and Acting President of the Management Board and Chief Permitting Officer at Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, he has negotiated complex economic projects worth billions of zlotys. He knows how to effectively, safely and adroitly guide a company through investment processes and how to manage such investments. He is an expert in project management.
He has supervised strategic infrastructure projects. He co-created Polish laws, strategies and government programs, and appeared before the CJEU and the European Commission.
Łukasz Młynarkiewicz is the President of the International Nuclear Law Association (INLA), the largest and most important international legal association of the nuclear energy industry.
Łukasz has an excellent understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Poland’s future nuclear energy industry and is totally committed to these ideas and plans.
Energy transition is not just a slogan – it is a real process that is changing the face of the Polish economy. We are moving away from coal, opting for renewable and nuclear energy sources, modernising networks, and investing in energy storage and hydrogen. This requires not only considerable investment, but above all wise, continuous and consistent planning in addition to effective implementation, says Łukasz.
And he lists the key challenges of the Polish energy sector, which include:
- Diversification of energy sources – a safe transition from coal to an energy mix based on renewable and nuclear energy sources
- Modernisation of existing infrastructure – via development of smart grids and energy storage facilities
- Technological innovation – development of hydrogen technology and energy storage systems
- Transition financing – raising funds for green investment
- Climate law compliance – providing support in meeting ESG and environmental reporting requirements
Business needs concrete ideas, not theory
What is the feedback of Polish energy companies?
At a time when they need to simultaneously modernise their infrastructure, meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements and remain competitive, companies need an advisor who can not only refer to the appropriate regulation but, above all, suggest practical solutions and ensure the implementation of projects in the investment process.
Piotr Kochański, experienced market participant, co-author of the Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG Practice Group strategy and Managing Partner, knows this well.
Łukasz is a top-class professional, highly educated, recognized in the international expert environment, who understands the business, knows the investment process and is able to combine different perspectives into a coherent whole, understanding the logic of cause and effect. He is a true business lawyer, a Partner in the Law Firm, and precisely what energy companies need today as they go through their transition process, which is certainly the greatest economic challenge of this decade. Our clients will therefore benefit from the unique support of a recognized expert who not only knows the law, because he co-created a number of legal solutions for nuclear power, infrastructure and environmental protection, but understands the whole process from the execution side, and is able to organize and manage transactions in terms of the selection of technology and application of relevant regulations, says Piotr Kochański.
We knew how the realities and demands of the market would change and Łukasz has a unique mix of experience. He has run complex projects and knows the people and the industry. He knows well that in such complex, decades-long, extremely expensive projects, international businesses expect thoroughly analysed, fast, precise and practical solutions, oversight of the process, documentation of negotiations and transactions as well as support in negotiations and dispute resolution. Advice on ESG and sustainability will soon be just as important to them. Therefore, such practical knowledge and information is and will be invaluable. But there is also something that makes him an outstanding Partner in our team – it is his absolute focus on our clients’ business, adds our Managing Partner.
One-stop shop – a formula for a successful Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG Practice
Łukasz has a clear vision of what he and our Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG Practice Group team need to achieve. It’s the idea of the so-called one-stop shop – offering a comprehensive and complementary service in all areas of the practices operation, but based on relationships, a deep understanding of the business and ensuring its security, which is a unique combination to make our Practices with Łukasz a broad modern business professional platform.
We want to adapt flexibly to our clients’ plans and share their concerns, while knowing and understanding the technological processes. This allows us to help clients shape their business, create opportunities and take responsibility for them, says Łukasz Młynarkiewicz.
The main objectives? Our shortlist includes:
- Support for strategic investments in the Polish energy sector – from nuclear power plants to the modernisation of transmission networks
- Helping Polish companies to transition successfully without losing competitiveness
- Facilitating the development coordination and co-generation of innovative energy technologies
- Proposing practical solutions carefully selected from the industry regulatory jungle
Every energy project is a complex organism. It requires the combining of technical, environmental and legal requirements while ensuring security of supply and profitability of the investment. It’s like putting together a multi-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, where every piece has to fit perfectly, but taking into account market, time, financial and human realities. It’s a big challenge, adds Łukasz.
Effectiveness requires understanding
The biggest projects, not just energy projects, can only succeed if all parties – investors, contractors, government and local authorities – are able to work together. Our role is not just to provide legal advice, but first and foremost to create opportunities and help build solid bridges between the various stakeholders, says Łukasz.
Łukasz’s joining the Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG team is a signal to the market that we are ready to support clients in the biggest challenge facing the Polish economy. After all, the energy transition, including the construction of Poland’s nuclear reactors, long awaited by 92% of adult Poles, is not just an obligation – it is an opportunity for a technological, economic and civilisational leap into the future. And we want to be the ones to make it a complete success, adds Piotr Kochański with conviction.
Any questions? Contact us
