The Polish Sejm has passed an amendment to the Water Law that allows the use of water recovered from treated municipal wastewater for cooling power plant and combined heat and power plant units. The change, actively pursued by Orlen Termika, is expected to reduce surface water intake by up to 80% at the Żerań CHP plant and by 20% at the Siekierki CHP plant.
The amendment is a significant step towards a circular economy in the Polish energy sector. Instead of discharging treated wastewater into rivers, the stream will be reused for industrial cooling. This reduces the consumption of natural water resources and replaces them with anthropogenic water.
– This is a civilisational change the entire energy industry has been waiting for – says Andrzej Gajewski, CEO of Orlen Termika. – Our company actively lobbied for this amendment. Our experts emphasised that wastewater recycling is a rational alternative to traditional cooling sources and an environmental progress we should all strive for.
Regulatory process still ongoing
Although the Sejm’s decision marks a milestone for the Polish district heating sector, the legislative process is not yet complete. The bill now goes to the Senate and then requires the President’s signature. Orlen Termika hopes for a swift enactment, which would allow the company to implement the solution quickly.
Diversifying the source of cooling water strengthens energy security and reduces environmental pressure. The company operates five plants in the Warsaw agglomeration: Żerań, Siekierki, Pruszków, Wola and Kawęczyn. The Siekierki plant is the largest facility of its kind in the European Union.
Circular economy in practice
The amendment directly supports the principles of a closed-loop economy. Instead of discharging purified water into rivers, it will be reused for cooling. This not only saves water but also reduces the thermal load on the receiving waters.
Orlen Termika generates heat and electricity through cogeneration, a highly efficient process. In total, its plants produce 11% of all heat generated in Poland. The company expects that the new regulations will enable further investments in modern, environmentally friendly technologies.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Orlen Termika
