The energy transition is undoubtedly the greatest economic, technological and social challenge of our generation. However, the huge investments being made amid a maze of EU regulations, the serious international dimension of the projects, the enormous social pressure, and the significant financial risk all create a demanding landscape in which it is extremely easy to lose one’s bearings.

After all, this involves the modernisation of the entire economy, affecting everything from large energy companies to local businesses and household budgets. This process will define our competitiveness, security, and quality of life for decades to come.

This is why it will be led by the best and most experienced managers, including undoubtedly Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, one of the most renowned experts on strategic energy projects and sector transformation, and a new equity partner at our law firm.

This is more than just a promotion – it is a strategic reinforcement of our commitment to our clients and the Polish economy, says Piotr Kochański.

At an energy crossroads, Poland needs experienced navigators

The energy transition involves many interconnected areas and challenges, with no simple answers.

  • Finance: How can multi-billion investments in renewable energy, nuclear power and grid modernisation be financed when the cost of CO₂ emissions is rising and the pressure to deliver results is increasing?
  • Technology: How can unstable renewable energy sources be integrated into the grid? How can energy storage and hydrogen technologies be developed to ensure security of supply?
  • Regulations: How can we keep up with the avalanche of EU directives (RED III, IED and NIS2), strict environmental requirements and changing national regulations?
  • Society: How can the transition be carried out fairly, protecting jobs and preventing energy poverty?

In such a complex and intricate ecosystem, it is becoming increasingly important to have legal advisors who focus on developing practical solutions and streamlining processes while keeping an open mind and maintaining a broad perspective on managing the social aspects of this transformation.

Łukasz Młynarkiewicz skilfully combines the roles of strategist, manager and lawyer, and his experience provides a unique roadmap for navigating the most difficult challenges ahead. In fact, Łukasz:

  • Understands the regulator – thanks to his experience as President of the National Atomic Energy Agency and Director of the Environmental Impact Assessment Department at the General Directorate for Environmental Protection
  • Thinks like an investor – as acting President of the Management Board, Vice-President and Chief Permitting & Licensing Officer at Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, he has managed projects worth billions of zlotys
  • Has a global perspective – thanks to his international activities, including serving as President and Member of the Board of Management of the International Nuclear Law Association (INLA), Deputy Governor of the Republic of Poland in the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and member of the authorities of key organizations, such as WENRA, HERCA, ENSREG, NEA OECD.

With Łukasz joining the group of equity partners, clients can be confident that our advice will always be grounded in business, technological and financial realities rather than just legal theory.

Inviting Łukasz to join the equity partners is a strategic step for the firm and a clear signal to the entire market. After all, we are entering a decade that will shape the future of the Polish energy sector for at least the next century, says Piotr Kochański.

Our clients don’t need theorists, but rather practitioners who have successfully managed large projects and guided negotiations when the fate of strategic investments was at stake. We stand with our clients through thick and thin, for the entire decade of transformation, not just for a single project, emphasises the Managing Partner.

The crucial and diverse role of legal advisors in the Polish and European energy transition

The energy transition represents the greatest opportunity for Poland to make a significant civilisational and economic leap forward in decades.

But will Poland be able to take advantage of this? With Łukasz Młynarkiewicz on board, our chances are much better.

I see joining the partnership and sharing responsibility for shaping Kochański & Partners’ development as a deeply personal commitment to helping create the future of both the firm and our clients’ projects. The energy transition is a huge puzzle, requiring the combination of technology, finance, law and the equally important environmental aspects, as well as the building of social acceptance. My goal is therefore to translate regulatory complexity and investment risks into real, safe and profitable projects, says Łukasz Młynarkiewicz.

This is why our Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and ESG Practice Group is a one-stop shop, providing comprehensive support and combining the key aspects of energy projects to create an efficient, integrated body.

What does this mean in practice?

  • Navigating financing: We help structure projects and raise capital, with an understanding of EU taxonomy requirements and ESG criteria
  • Translating regulations into business: We translate complex regulations into specific action strategies and investment schedules
  • Risk management: We identify and minimise legal, environmental and technological risks before they materialise
  • Building bridges: We facilitate dialogue between investors, authorities and local communities because we recognise that major projects require collaboration, not confrontation

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