Construction of a heat pump as a new power source for the municipal heating network in Wrocław

Description

The project aims to construct a heat pump as a new power source for the municipal heating network in Wroclaw. 

The installation of 6.00 MW heat pump at the sewage pumping station in Wrocław is intended for heat recovery from raw sewage and for its injection into the municipal heating network. Planned heat production from the installation will amount to 291,233.52 GJ / year, therefore CO2 emission reduction will amount to 34,948.02 t / year. 

The project aims to achieve:

 • building own production source
• reducing the emission of air pollutants such as: CO2, NOx, SO2, CO and dust,
 • energy use of municipal wastewater treated as a renewable energy source
• supplying heat from RES to the municipal heat network and increasing its energy efficiency,
• limiting the purchase of heat produced mostly from coal,
• improvement of local and own energy security reduction of CO2-34,948.02t/y -use of renewable energy sources in the production of heat - municipal sewage -heat recovery in the amount of 80,898.20 MWh/y.
• increasing the efficiency of the system

The project will directly benefit the local residents in Wroclaw and reduce emissions, improve air quality which will contribute to overall aims of the EU. 

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several critical issues and challenges within the energy and environmental sectors in Wrocław, Poland. These issues are related to the efficiency of the district heating system, the environmental impact of energy production, and the broader goals of energy transition and sustainability. Below are the primary challenges the project aimed to tackle:

1. Inefficiency of the District Heating System

The district heating system in Wrocław, like many others in Poland, has been heavily reliant on conventional energy sources, particularly coal. This reliance results in several inefficiencies within the system:

• Over-reliance on coal: As much as 75% of the heat supplied to the Wrocław district heating network is produced from coal-based combined heat and power (CHP) plants. This not only contributes to the inefficiency of the system but also exacerbates environmental degradation due to the high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM10) emissions.
• High operational costs: The dependence on fossil fuels, especially coal, leads to rising costs in the long term due to increasing prices for carbon allowances and fuel. These rising costs affect the affordability and sustainability of the heating system.

2. Environmental Challenges

Poland, like many other countries, faces significant environmental challenges due to its reliance on fossil fuels, especially coal, for energy production. These include:

• High emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG): The combustion of coal results in substantial CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change. Wrocław, as part of the broader Polish energy system, faces challenges in reducing these emissions and complying with EU climate targets.
• Air pollution: Emissions of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from coal-based heating systems are harmful to both the environment and public health. The city has been grappling with poor air quality, leading to an increase in respiratory diseases and other health issues among residents.

3. The Need for Renewable Energy Integration

Poland has been facing challenges related to the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into its energy system. Despite the EU''s clear directives to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy, the transition has been slow due to several factors:

• Slow integration of renewable energy sources: While renewable energy has been increasing, fossil fuels still dominate the energy mix. The lack of significant investments in clean energy technologies has slowed down the pace of transition.
• Public awareness and engagement: There is also a need to raise public awareness about the benefits of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The population has been accustomed to coal-based heating, and there is a need for a shift towards cleaner alternatives.

4. Energy Security and Economic Sustainability

Another challenge is the growing need for energy security and economic sustainability. The increasing reliance on fossil fuel imports and the volatility of global energy markets create economic risks. By relying on coal and other non-renewable energy sources, Wrocław and Poland face:

• Energy supply risks: The use of fossil fuels in heating systems increases dependency on external suppliers, potentially leading to vulnerabilities in energy security.
• Economic challenges for energy producers: Rising costs associated with fossil fuels and the introduction of carbon pricing mechanisms (such as the European Emissions Trading Scheme) put additional financial pressure on energy producers, making it harder to maintain economic sustainability.

5. Addressing the Issue of Waste Heat Recovery

The project also aimed to address the issue of waste heat recovery. A significant challenge in many urban areas is the untapped potential of waste heat, particularly from municipal wastewater. Conventional heating systems often neglect the possibility of utilizing waste heat from sources such as sewage systems, which is both environmentally and economically beneficial.

Conclusion

In summary, the project sought to address several intertwined challenges:

• The inefficiency of the district heating system in Wrocław, which relied heavily on coal and other fossil fuels.
• The significant environmental impacts of coal-based heating, including harmful emissions and air pollution.
• The need for increased integration of renewable energy sources and waste heat recovery to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental harm.

The project involved the construction of an electrically powered, compressor-type heat pump with a capacity of 12.5 MW, along with the necessary infrastructure, at the Port Południowy wastewater pumping station in Wrocław. The purpose of the investment was to recover thermal energy from raw sewage and inject it into the municipal district heating system in Wrocław, thus contributing to energy efficiency and reducing environmental emissions.

Key Activities Implemented:

1. Construction Works:
   • The construction of a heat pump building, including a social facility.
   • The creation of a raw sewage sedimentation tank and a buffer chamber.
   • The establishment of a sewage distribution chamber outside the heat pump building (underground).
   • The installation of sewage pipes in the ground leading to and from the distribution chamber.
   • The construction of a deodorization room and sewage pipelines.
2. Purchase, Delivery, and Installation of the Heat Pump System:
   • The supply and installation of the complete heat pump system, including all necessary devices and elements, with commissioning.
   • The provision of required controllers and control equipment.
   • The setup of a monitoring system for the installation''s operation.
   • The installation of a sewage pre-treatment system (contaminant separator).
   • The provision of a valve to change the flow direction of sewage and circulation pumps.
3. District Heating Connection Construction:
   • The creation of a district heating connection and a connection chamber at the point of integration with the existing heating network, including the installation of valves, regulators, controllers, actuators, measurement and control equipment, communication systems, control cabinets, electrical installations, and heating pipes.
4. Electrical Grid Connection Construction:
   • The construction of an electrical.
5. Reconstruction of Infrastructure:
   • Reconstruction of the chemical dosing station.
   • Reconstruction of the existing infrastructure of the water and sewage company (MPWiK) as required for the heat pump installation, including the sewage storage tanks, if necessary.
6. Information and Communication:
   • The creation of a project information and promotional board.
   • Information dissemination through the project''s website and social media channels, detailing the project''s environmental impact, in line with the Norwegian and EEA Grants.
   • Organization of three press conferences to inform the public about the project''s progress, achievements, and results. Local authorities, businesses, and media were invited to these conferences.
7. Campaign on Environmental Impact:
   • The preparation and distribution of an informational video and brochure about the environmental impact of the project.
   • Development and promotion of a dedicated webpage providing information on the environmental benefits of the project.

Products Delivered and Services Provided:

1. Heat Pump Installation:The core component of the project is the heat pump system, which extracts thermal energy from raw sewage and supplies it to the district heating network, offering a sustainable and renewable heat source for Wrocław.
2. Environmental Benefits:The project contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By using raw sewage as an energy source, it decreases reliance on coal-based heating and reduces harmful emissions, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM10).
3. Energy Efficiency Improvements:The installation enhances the energy efficiency of Wrocław''s district heating system by integrating renewable energy into the network. This aligns with European Union directives on renewable energy and energy efficiency, supporting Poland''s efforts to meet EU climate objectives.
4. Public Awareness and Community Engagement:A comprehensive communication campaign was implemented to inform local residents and stakeholders about the environmental impact and benefits of utilizing renewable energy sources. This included social media updates, informational brochures, dedicated webpages, and press conferences to engage the community and highlight the progress and outcomes of the project.

Expected Results and Outcomes:

• Annual Energy Production:The heat pump will produce a significant amount of renewable thermal energy annually, reducing the dependence on coal-based heating and increasing the share of renewable energy in the district heating system.
• Reduction in Carbon Emissions:By replacing coal-derived heat with heat extracted from sewage, the project will make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
• Improved Energy Security and Efficiency:The project strengthens the security and efficiency of Wrocław''s energy system by diversifying energy sources and incorporating renewable energy into the city''s heating infrastructure, leading to reduced heating costs and enhanced long-term sustainability of the district heating system.

Summary:

The project primarily focused on the construction and implementation of a 12.5 MW heat pump system powered by electricity, aimed at extracting thermal energy from raw sewage and supplying it to the municipal district heating system in Wrocław. It involved the construction of several buildings, installation of the heat pump system, necessary connections, and significant infrastructure works. The project also included the implementation of communication campaigns to raise awareness of energy efficiency and environmental impact. The successful completion of the project will significantly improve the efficiency of the district heating network, reduce harmful emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future for the city of Wrocław.

The project has successfully achieved significant outcomes in terms of environmental impact, energy efficiency, and public awareness. These results directly benefit both the city of Wrocław and its residents, as well as contributing to Poland’s broader climate goals and European Union directives on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

1. Environmental Benefits and Emission ReductionsThe project has resulted in a notable reduction in harmful emissions by shifting from coal-based heating to renewable energy sourced from sewage. This transition directly benefits the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). By extracting thermal energy from raw sewage, the project decreases Wrocław''s reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, leading to a cleaner, more sustainable energy source for the city’s heating system. This outcome supports Poland’s commitments to reduce emissions as part of the European Union’s climate and energy targets.
2. Increased Energy EfficiencyOne of the key achievements of the project is the significant improvement in the energy efficiency of Wrocław’s district heating system. The installation of a 12.5 MW heat pump system adds a substantial renewable energy source to the grid, integrating sustainable energy into the city’s infrastructure. This improvement helps reduce energy waste, optimize heating performance, and ensure a more reliable and efficient supply of thermal energy. As a result, the district heating network benefits from increased reliability and lower operational costs, ultimately providing more efficient energy to local residents and businesses. The improved efficiency also contributes to Poland’s national goals of increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, reducing dependence on conventional, polluting energy sources.
3. Public Awareness and Community EngagementA significant aspect of the project’s outcomes is the increased public awareness regarding renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the environmental impact of energy production. The comprehensive communication campaign aimed at informing local residents and stakeholders about the project’s goals, progress, and results, has effectively raised awareness about the role of renewable energy in improving both environmental and energy security. The campaign included social media posts, informational brochures, dedicated webpages, and press conferences, fostering an informed and engaged community. By actively involving local residents, the project has also contributed to changing public attitudes towards sustainability and energy use, promoting greater acceptance and support for renewable energy initiatives.
4. Long-Term Sustainability and Energy SecurityThe successful integration of renewable energy into Wrocław’s district heating network enhances the long-term sustainability of the city’s energy infrastructure. By diversifying the energy mix and decreasing reliance on conventional sources like coal, the project strengthens the city’s energy security. This outcome benefits not only the local population but also contributes to Poland’s national energy strategy by supporting the transition towards a low-carbon, sustainable energy system. The improved energy security also ensures a more resilient infrastructure that can better withstand energy price fluctuations and supply disruptions, providing stability for future generations.
5. Alignment with National and EU Climate GoalsThe project is an essential step in helping Poland meet its climate and energy targets under the European Union’s directives. By increasing the share of renewable energy in the district heating system, the project contributes to the country’s commitments to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the sustainability of its energy sector. The use of raw sewage as an energy source is an innovative solution that demonstrates how waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, further supporting Poland’s efforts to create a circular economy. The project’s success is also a model for other cities and regions to replicate, fostering the wider adoption of sustainable energy solutions across the country and within the EU.

Beneficiaries of the Project:

• City of Wrocław: The primary beneficiary of the project is the city of Wrocław, which now has access to a cleaner, more sustainable energy source for its district heating system. The city benefits from improved energy security, reduced emissions, and enhanced energy efficiency, all of which contribute to a better quality of life for its residents and a healthier environment.
• Local Residents: Residents of Wrocław benefit from the improved district heating system, which is now powered by renewable energy, reducing the environmental and health impacts of coal-based heating. Additionally, the long-term economic benefits of reduced heating costs and the creation of green jobs provide direct advantages for the local population.
• Poland and the EU: The project contributes to Poland’s national climate and energy goals, helping the country meet its obligations under EU directives to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. The project also supports broader EU objectives of achieving a low-carbon economy and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
• Wider Community and Future Generations: The project’s success will have long-term benefits for the wider community, as it reduces environmental degradation, mitigates climate change, and enhances the sustainability of the local energy system. Future generations will inherit a more resilient, cleaner, and more efficient energy infrastructure, contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life.

In conclusion, the project has achieved substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits, improving the energy infrastructure of Wrocław, reducing reliance on coal, and supporting Poland''s and the EU''s broader sustainability and climate objectives. It has positively impacted the local community by providing cleaner, more efficient energy, fostering public awareness, and supporting economic development through the creation of green jobs and increased energy security.

Summary of bilateral results

The collaboration focused on the exchange of experiences and know-how, which not only improved the investment implementation process but can also be considered a key factor in ensuring its successful execution. As part of the cooperation, a study trip was organized in addition to regular information exchanges.