More information
Description
Programme outcome the project contributes to: “Improved energy efficiency in buildings, industry and municipalities".
The project will contribute to enhanced and increased capacity and skills on geothermal energy of key stakeholders in Poland, from public to private sector as well as the research community. This is expected to lead to increased knowledge about economically utilisable geothermal resources and, as a result, increased likelihood of future investments in geothermal energy.
The pre-defined project will include, inter alia, the following main activities:
- Identification of national gaps and suggestions for improvement;
- Development of manuals/guidelines tailored to different stakeholders’ needs: operators of plants, managers, consultants, investors, geological survey and public administration in Poland;
- Workshops, study visits and training.
Summary of project results
The Project aimed to address the problem of low level of knowledge and awareness of key stakeholders in Poland on geothermal resources prospective for low-emission heating and mitigating climate changes, possibilities and methods of their uses, technologies of sustainable exploitation and management, as well as the ecological, economic, and social benefits. Therefore, the Project was to build the capacity of key stakeholders in Poland in the area of geothermal energy by increasing their knowledge and skills in using and managing its resources.
Generally, a low level of knowledge is one of the basic barriers to the wider use of geothermal energy in Poland. This is a renewable, zero-emission, local energy source that can significantly contribute to Poland''s implementation of international and national obligations to increase the share of renewable energy sources, mitigate climate change and strive for a zero-emission economy. This situation has been observed in Poland for a long time, and concerned, among others, key stakeholders.
At the same time, in the last few years, several public programs have been launched in Poland to stimulate the recognition of geothermal resources and their applications, thanks to which in the coming years, among others, several to a dozen or so new geothermal heating systems were expected. The activities to improve this state among key stakeholders have been carried out on a limited scale so far. Therefore, there was an urgent need to raise the level of geothermal knowledge and awareness among key stakeholders, as well as skills in managing and developing the projects. The implementation of the EEA FM “KeyGeothermal” Project aimed to contribute to solving that problem by increasing specialist knowledge, and skills in the management and use of geothermal resources, learning good practices, cooperation with leading international experts from Iceland.
The Project was relevant to EU and national laws and policies (e.g. EU RES Directive 2018/2001; Clean energy for all Europeans 2019; EC Energy Roadmap 2050; Poland''s National energy and climate plan 2021-2030, local strategies for RES development, energy efficiency).
Main activities implemented during Project realization belonged to seven main groups:
A1. Training Activities in PolandA2. Study Visits to IcelandA3. Expert Study Visits to selected localities in Poland prospective for geothermal developmentA4. Report on the Expert Study Visits concerning the potential use of geothermal energy in selected localities in PolandA5. Information and communication
A6. Final Report
A7. Project management
A1. Training Activities in Poland
Task implemented in 2021-2023. The activities included workshops (in Warsaw) and technical visits to geothermal facilities (Mszczonów, its area), meetings with local governments, operators. They w ere held on 18-20 May 2022, and 26-28 April 2023. 127 persons participated in the Activities.
Content of lectures, information materials (texts, presentations) and Manual suited to the stakeholders’ needs were developed. The activities were completed by handing in the Certificates of Participation. Simultaneous interpretation was provided.
The activities were conducted by NEA and MEERI PAS experts, the Ministry of Climate & Environment, National Fund for Environmental Protection & Water Management, external experts. Special contribution was made by the Ambassador of Iceland to Poland.
Training materials included a programme, abstracts of lectures (50 pages, A-4), presentations (ca. 540 slides) and a Manual (Polish, English digital versions; available on the Project website). Manual in Polish was also printed (ca. 260 pages, A-4).
All participants appraised the organisation and content of Training Activities.
A2. Study Visits to Iceland
Task implemented in 2022-2023.
Study Visits were held on 26-30 September 2022, and 25-29 September 2023.
51 persons participated Study Visits – representatives of local governments, district heating companies, geological survey, various administration levels, operators of geothermal facilities, investors, scientific milieus, sector media, etc.
Programme of Study Visits included one-day seminars, workshops, matchmaking meetings and two-days site visits to geothermal facilities. Those sites were selected to demonstrate conditions similar to Polish ones and adequate examples of geothermal uses, resource parks, others. Several geothermal systems and facilities in Reykjavik and its area were presented. Simultaneous interpreting was provided.
Information materials containing the agenda, seminar and workshop presentation abstracts and details of some systems were prepared for participants (digital versions are on keygeothermal.pl).
A3. Expert Study Visits to selected localities in Poland prospective for geothermal development
Task implemented in 2022-2023.
Four Expert Study Visits were organised: to Konin (14-16 November 2022), Chochołów (16-18 November 2022), Koluszki (29-31 May 2023), Koło (31 May-2 June 2023).
Visits aimed at learning about geothermal conditions of visited sites, implementing or planning geothermal energy uses projects and related issues, as well as collecting information. The analyses performed on that basis and proposals for the optimum use of geothermal energy presented from the perspective of NEA and MEERI PAS team specialists were included in the dedicated Reports (A4). Aspects of municipal services and sustainable development strategies were also covered. Business’ prospective on geothermal application were discussed.
A4. Report on Expert Study Visits concerning the potential use of geothermal energy in selected localities in Poland
Task implemented in 2022-2023.
The Report was elaborated for localities where Expert Study Visits were organised (A3). It consisted of four parts: A. Konin (2022), B. Chochołów (2022), C. Koluszki (2023), D. Koło (2023). The Report was developed based on the information collected during the Expert Study Visits (A3). It contains results of analyses, research, and proposals for the optimum use of geothermal energy for heating and other purposes, improving energy efficiency, innovative solutions, pilot projects, socio-economic analyses, and recommendations for each locality. Icelandic and Polish partners'' knowledge and technologies were included.
Each part of the Report contained the following sections:
- Essential information about the Report,
- Analyses and recommendations formulated within the Report,
- Conclusions and recommendations.
Both Polish and English versions are available on the Project website.
Konin. Topics in the Report for Konin, chapter “Analyses and recommendations formulated within the Report” included: General SWOT analysis - geothermal energy in Konin district heating system; Improving energy efficiency of heat generation; Analysis of municipal district heating systems and geothermal district heating implementation; Physical and chemical characteristics of geothermal water; Geothermal system monitoring proposal; Estimated productivity/injectivity index and pump size; General recommendations on proper geothermal reservoir exploitation; Overview of some risk factors that might occur during geothermal reservoir exploitation; Conclusions and recommendations (aspects related to geothermal resources and exploitation, district heating system and users).
Chochołów. Topics in the Report for Chochołów, chapter “Analyses and recommendations formulated within the Report” (municipalities of Kościelisko and Czarny Dunajec) include: The use of geothermal energy in Thermal Baths and evaluating the surplus for local district heating; Estimated heat demand in the vicinity of Thermal Baths; Current heat sources; Satisfying heat demand in buildings near Thermal Baths; Initial proposals for using geothermal for heating purposes; Non-technical aspects: collaboration between local governments, Thermal Baths, inhabitants, institutions and other entities; SWOT analysis - geothermal energy near Chochołów; Conclusions and recommendations (aspects related to geothermal resources, district heating system and heat users).
Koluszki. Topics in the Report for Koluszki, chapter “Analyses and recommendations formulated within the Report” include: Low-temperature district heating systems for new and designed residential buildings in Koluszki; Possibility of heat extraction from geothermal water - general observations; Proposals and validity of various uses of geothermal water and energy from planned well; Introducing renewable energy sources into existing district heating system; Proposal for an effective district heating system considering the user’s role; SWOT analysis - geothermal energy in Koluszki; Proposals for information, education and promotional activities on geothermal energy in Koluszki; Public-private partnerships in geothermal projects; Geothermal clusters, energy resource parks - inspirations for Poland and Koluszki; Summary, conclusions and recommendations (aspects related to the expected geothermal resources, district heating system, and heat users).
Koło. Topics in the Report for Koło Part II, chapter “Analyses and recommendations formulated within the Report” include: Proposal to reduce temperatures in the district heating system in Koło; Use of low-temperature geothermal energy combined with high-temperature heat sources for district heating; Using electricity for supplying geothermal systems; ORC geothermal systems - energy aspects; Physical and chemical characteristics of geothermal water in Koło. Thermodynamic state evaluation. Conclusions, recommendations; Possible use of geothermal water and energy in Koło for purposes other than district heating system - proposals; SWOT analysis - geothermal energy in Koło; Public-private partnerships in geothermal projects - improving infrastructure development and service provision; Geothermal clusters, resource parks - inspirations for Koło; Summary, conclusions and recommendations; Aspects related to geothermal resources, district heating system and heat users, alternative use of geothermal heat and water, other aspects.
A5. Information and communication
Task executed in 2020-2024. The main measures implemented were as follows:
- keygeothermal.pl website (Polish, English),
- Leaflet, brochure, poster, roll-up,
- Project events (Opening event, 9 February 2021; Event during A1. Training Activities, 18 May 2022; Closing conference, 16 April 2024),
- Information, interviews for electronic media, press,
- Information on Project and EEA FM at main national and international geothermal events (e.g. Polish Geothermal Congress 2021, 2023; European Geothermal Congress
2022; World Geothermal Congress 2023; Global Geothermal Impact Summit 2024),
- Articles, abstracts, media information, and materials for the final conference.
A6. Final Report
Task done in 2024. Final Report was included into Funding Application Generator (online). It contains main administration, financial and substantial information on the Project and several attachments.
A7. Project Management
Task executed in 2020-2024. It covered activities necessary for correct substantial, organisational, formal and financial Project execution. Its significance was even higher since most of Project was executed during pandemic, rising inflation rates and prices (which entailed numerous risks and problems). That is why adequate Project management, cooperation among the partners and the Operator, and taking relevant preventive measures determined its seamless implementation, fulfilling its objectives, the Project success and indicators level exceeding the initial assumptions.
In general:
The Project significantly helped the Polish beneficiaries and stakeholders to broaden their knowledge and increase the awareness on geothermal energy and become familiar with many examples of its use for heating. The project contributed to an increased likelihood of investments. Extending the potential of using geothermal resources shall contribute into improving national energy safety and positively impact the quality of life in Poland. The Project also resulted in closer cooperation between Polish and Icelandic teams in the geothermal field. This way, the Project contributed to fulfilling the objectives of the EEA FM 2014–2021 “Environment, Energy, Climate Change” Programme. It was a joint effort of partners from Iceland (the EEA FM Donor State) and Poland (the EEA FM Beneficiary State) to promote activities improving Energy security and low-emission heating, mitigating climate change, and striving for social and economic inclusiveness by providing affordable clean energy to end users.
The wide group of Project beneficiaries and stakeholders included the representatives from public to private sector involved and interested in various ways in geothermal research, funding, investments, exploitations, practical uses: Administration of various levels; Local governments; Operators, investors of existing, implemented and planned heating plants and other geothermal installations; Beneficiaries of government programs supporting the identification of resources and geothermal energy use in Poland; Geological administration; Scientific-research entities; Service providers, consultants; NGOs; Other entities from the geothermal sector
In particular:
A1. Training Activities in Poland in 2022 and 2023 – main facts and figures
• 127 participants
• 2 workshop days in each round
• 1 day technical study visit in each round
• about 20 lecturers
• 5 guest presentations
• 6 geothermal facilities visited during technical study visits
• 14 specialists and representatives of local authorities involved in technical visits in 2022 and 2023
• Manual for Training Activities suited to the stakeholders’ needs (ca. 260 pages, A-4)
• Information materials (lecture abstracts, presentations);
A2. Study Visits to Iceland in 2022 and 2023 – main facts and figures
• 51 participants
• 1 day of seminars, workshops and match-making in each round
• 2 days of site visits to selected geothermal facilities in each round
• over 120 participants in the seminar, workshops and match-making, possibility to establish contacts between Polish and Icelandic entities• 6 talks delivered by representatives of Icelandic ministries and the Embassy of Poland to Iceland
• 15 geothermal installations and facilities visited
• Information materials
A3. Expert Study Visits to Poland in 2022 and 2023 – main facts and figures
• 4 localities visited
• 20 days of visits
• 30 participants from different localities
• 10 geothermal systems and facilities visited (at various implementation stages)
• 8 other municipal systems and facilities visited
A4. Report on Expert Study Visits to Poland in 2022 and 2023 – main facts and figures
• Four localities covered by the Report: Konin, Chochołów, Koluszki, Koło
• About 300 pages of texts, figures and tables
• Summary, conclusions and recommendations for each locality
A5. Project information and communication in 2020–2024 – main facts and figures
• 3 Project events (opening events, closing event), 2021 and 2024
• 20 conferences, congresses and events during which the Project information was disseminated
• 30 presentations and posters about the Project
• 40 articles, abstracts and press releases
• Over 2,200 Project website views
Summary of bilateral results
The project contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral Polish – Icelandic relations, professional and social ties between the Project partners, as well as institutions and individuals involved in its various activities. It yielded many outcomes, i.e.: the partners broadened their geothermal knowledge and learned practical examples and technologies, shared specialist information and experiences, performed joint research and reports, achieved a better understanding of the geothermal sector in Poland and Iceland (research, investments, practical uses, regulatory aspects). The Project can serve as a model for international cooperation in the field of geothermal and renewable energy. It has shown how the partners from both countries can mutually benefit from their unique specialist knowledge and experience. This has been achieved through: - Joint implementation of all Project activities facilitated by good partners’ cooperation, - Mutual sharing of unique knowledge and experience in the field of geothermal development, - Participation in the project of high-level experts from partners’ teams, - Sharing good practices in the use of geothermal energy, experiences in international cooperation in the geothermal sector within initiatives important both for Iceland and for Poland, - Efficient project management, broad information and communication on the Project activities. The Project demonstrated how the partners from Poland and from Iceland can bilaterally benefit from each other''s knowledge and experience. The Project partners contributed into international cooperation in the field of geothermal energy.