Poland’s heating sector began the transformation process long before the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ climate policy was adopted. In the case of ORLEN Termika S.A., which produces heat primarily for the Warsaw agglomeration, these activities began almost 20 years ago, when the first decisions were made to upgrade infrastructure with a view to environmental protection and ongoing changes in the standards limiting air and water pollution.
The primary task of ORLEN Termika S.A., which is a model example of the Polish district heating system, is to ensure energy security for consumers. This is manifested in the form of stable heat supplies and the reduction of low emissions. We can confidently say that clean and safe heat zones apply wherever we are.
Over the past two decades, the company has invested more than PLN 3 billion in these processes. Desulphurization plants were built; new bag filters, electrostatic precipitators, and flue gas condensation systems were installed. In the winter of 2021, the modern combined cycle gas turbine in the Żerań CHP Plant started operating. It is a high-performance energy source, with a thermal power of 326 MWt and an electrical power of 494 MWe. It produces about 3.0 TWh of electricity and 1.9 TWh of heat per year in cogeneration, which is the most efficient method.
According to the EU’s climate policy objectives set out in two key documents, the European Green Deal and ‘Fit for 55’, the European Union aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with an intermediate target of at least a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.
Key strategic objectives for the development plan of ORLEN Termika S.A.:
- Move away from solid fossil fuel combustion completely by 2035,
- Meet the requirements regarding an efficient district heating system,
- Reduce the carbon footprint of heat and power generation by 65% by 2040 (relative to 2020).
From among several investment programs, developed based on modern technologies and a diversified fuel portfolio, the optimal option was recommended based on the criterion of maximizing value for the company and the degree of compatibility with the ORLEN Group’s development strategy.
Elements of the adopted development option:
- Decommissioning of the fluidized bed boilers in the Żerań CHP Plant by 2035 and their partial replacement with a low-carbon unit,
- Decommissioning of all coal boilers in the Siekierki CHP Plant by 2035 and their replacement with low-carbon units.