New Energy Sources in MPEC Nowy Sącz

Project facts

Project promoter:
Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Energetyki Cieplnej Sp. z o.o. w Nowym Sączu(PL)
Project Number:
PL-CLIMATE-0018
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€2,711,706
Donor Project Partners:
Norsk Energi AS(NO)

Description

The project entitled "New Energy Sources in MPEC Nowy Sącz" is implemented under the Environment, Energy and Climate Change Programme.  The project will be implemented in the period 01/08/2021 – 31/12/2023, from the funds of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism for the years 2014-2021.

The main objectives of the project are:

- improving energy efficiency in buildings, municipal energy system and industry,

-construction of municipal heating systems,

-elimination of individual heat sources.

The project includes:

- construction of a biomass boiler with a nominal thermal power of 3 MW,

- installation of two outdoor lamps with PV panels and energy storage electricity,

- construction of municipal heating systems,

- elimination 8 local coal-fired boiler houses and old gas-fired boiler houses,

- connection of these buildings to the district heating system.

The results these actions will be:

- increase energy efficiency in municipal energy system,

- increase in renewable energy from biomass,

- reducing the consumption of fossil fuels for heat production, which reduces harmful emissions                  to the environment.

Summary of project results

The "New Energy Sources in MPEC Nowy Sącz" project was implemented to tackle critical issues related to energy efficiency, environmental protection, and the availability of eco-friendly heating for the residents of Nowy Sącz. Below are the specific challenges addressed by the project:

  1. Low energy efficiency of the heating system:
    Traditional energy sources and outdated technologies led to high operational costs and energy losses within the system.
  2. Limited renewable energy production:
    The prior share of energy from renewable sources (RES) was smaller, increasing dependency on fossil fuels and contributing to environmental degradation.
  3. High emissions of pollutants and CO2:
    Existing fossil fuel boilers emitted significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful substances, negatively impacting air quality in the region.
  4. Unstable heating prices:
    Reliance on fossil fuels caused fluctuations in heating prices, making it difficult for residents to predict heating costs.
  5. Restricted access to eco-friendly heating:
    The lack of adequate infrastructure limited the expansion of the heating network and the provision of eco-friendly heating to new customers.

Project Goals:
The project''s goals included:

  • Enhancing the energy efficiency of the heating system.
  • Increasing renewable energy production, particularly from biomass.
  • Reducing CO2 and other pollutant emissions.
  • Providing more residents with access to eco-friendly district heating.
  • Stabilizing heating prices by reducing the use of fossil fuels.
  • Expanding the heating network and improving user comfort.

Implemented Tasks:
The following tasks were completed as part of the project:

  1. Installation of a biomass boiler with a nominal capacity of 3 MW.
  2. Installation of ten outdoor lamps equipped with PV panels and energy storage systems.
  3. Installation of a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 50 kWp and energy storage systems.
  4. Decommissioning of outdated fossil fuel boilers (both gas and coal) and constructing new connections, networks, and heat nodes:
    • Decommissioning of 3 gas boilers at Jana Pawła II 16 (segments A, B, C).
    • Decommissioning of 2 coal boilers at Wiśniowieckiego 125.
    • Decommissioning of 4 gas boilers at Długosza 35 and Matejki 28.
    • Decommissioning of 5 gas boilers at Zielona Street.

Results:
Thanks to the project implementation:

  • The Municipal Heat Energy Company (MPEC) in Nowy Sącz obtained the status of an energy-efficient heating network, with over 50% of thermal energy derived from RES and cogeneration.
  • CO2 and other pollutant emissions were significantly reduced, positively impacting the natural environment and air quality in the city.
  • The potential for heating network expansion was created, allowing eco-friendly heating to be delivered to more customers.
  • Heating price stability was improved, benefiting both residents and the local economy.

The "New Energy Sources in MPEC Nowy Sącz" project implemented various activities to enhance energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy sources (RES), and reduce emissions. Below are the main activities carried out as part of the project:

  1. Installation of modern heating and RES equipment:
    • A biomass boiler with a nominal capacity of 3 MW was installed to produce eco-friendly district heating.
    • A photovoltaic installation with a capacity of 50 kWp, including energy storage systems, was set up to increase the share of renewable energy.
  2. Modernization of the heating infrastructure:
    • Outdated gas and coal boilers were decommissioned and replaced with modern connections and district heating networks.
    • Specific tasks included:
      • Decommissioning 3 gas boilers at Jana Pawła II 16 (segments A, B, C).
      • Decommissioning 2 coal boilers at Wiśniowieckiego 125.
      • Decommissioning 4 gas boilers at Długosza 35 and Matejki 28.
      • Decommissioning 5 gas boilers at Zielona Street.
    • New connections, networks to buildings, and heat nodes were constructed as part of the modernization process.
  3. Installation of modern lighting:
    • Ten outdoor lamps equipped with photovoltaic (PV) panels and energy storage systems were installed.

Delivered Products/Services:

  • Eco-friendly district heating based on renewable energy, covering over 50% of the network''s energy needs.
  • High-efficiency heating infrastructure capable of serving new customers.
  • A modern, environmentally friendly energy system that ensures stable heat supply.

Final Outcome:
The project significantly improved the quality of life for the residents of Nowy Sącz by reducing emissions, stabilizing heat prices, and providing an ecological and maintenance-free heating system.

The "New Energy Sources in MPEC Nowy Sącz" project delivered tangible results and positive impacts for both the residents of Nowy Sącz and the natural environment.

Project Results:

  1. Increased share of renewable energy sources (RES):
    • Over 50% of thermal energy in the district heating system of Nowy Sącz now comes from RES and cogeneration, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  2. Reduction of CO2 and pollutant emissions:
    • Decommissioning old gas and coal boilers helped cut carbon dioxide emissions and other harmful substances, improving air quality in the region.
  3. Stabilization of heating costs:
    • The use of biomass and renewable energy ensured stable heating prices, benefiting both residents and local businesses.
  4. Expansion and modernization of the heating infrastructure:
    • The modernized district heating network is now equipped to serve more customers, enabling the delivery of eco-friendly heating to new buildings and neighborhoods.
  5. Improved energy efficiency:
    • Thanks to modern technologies and installations, the heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy losses and raw material consumption.

Project Beneficiaries:

  1. Residents of Nowy Sącz:
    • Benefit from eco-friendly district heating, improving their quality of life with cleaner air and stable heating costs.
    • Increased access to heating for new buildings and neighborhoods.
  2. The Natural Environment:
    • Reduced CO2 and pollutant emissions have positively impacted the local environment and biodiversity.
  3. Municipal Heating Company (MPEC):
    • Achieved the status of an energy-efficient district heating network, boosting its competitiveness and potential for further development in RES utilization.
  4. Local Government and Economy:
    • Enhanced energy efficiency and stable heating costs support local economic development and strengthen the city’s image as an environmentally friendly and innovative center.

Summary of bilateral results

As part of the "New Energy Sources in MPEC Nowy Sącz" project, bilateral activities were carried out in collaboration with Norsk Energi, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of the district heating system and the utilization of renewable energy sources.Bilateral Results:1.Training and technical advisory services:oTraining sessions were conducted for MPEC Nowy Sącz employees, focusing on modern technologies and best practices in energy efficiency and RES implementation.oNorsk Energi provided specialized technical expertise, enabling better use of advanced solutions in managing the heating network.2.Experience exchange and expert collaboration:oThroughout the project, technical consultations with Norsk Energi experts were conducted, allowing the refinement of implemented solutions and their adaptation to local conditions.oThe beneficiary established a lasting collaboration with the partner, ensuring the continuation of knowledge exchange even after the project''s completion.3.Building long-term relationships:oOngoing contact with the Norwegian partner supports the continuous development of MPEC’s competencies in energy efficiency and innovative technologies.oThe partnership facilitated knowledge transfer and best practices from Norway, enriching the skills of the Polish team.Outcomes for the beneficiary:•Enhanced organizational and technical capacity of MPEC Nowy Sącz in energy efficiency.•Improved understanding of advanced technologies and energy management methods used in Scandinavian countries.•Continued access to the partner’s expertise and experience for future projects.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.