Węglokoks Energia ZCP, a subsidiary of the Polish coal giant, will build a 4.5-kilometre heating pipeline in Ruda Śląska at a cost of 23.716 million złoty gross, enabling the Bielszowice district to abandon coal-fired heating by 2028. The investment, backed by EU and national funds, will reduce CO₂ emissions by over 3,700 tonnes annually.
The new heating main will link the EC Mikołaj combined heat and power plant to the Bielszowice network, replacing the local coal-fired heating plant. EC Mikołaj, with a thermal capacity of 104.6 MWt – more than five times that of Bielszowice’s 19.5 MWt – already operates on natural gas and is supplemented by its own photovoltaic panels.
The project is part of Węglokoks Energia ZCP’s strategy to completely phase out coal by 2030. Currently, Bielszowice’s heating system relies solely on coal, supplying residential buildings, public facilities, businesses, and the KWK Ruda – Bielszowice coal mine.
A strategic investment for decarbonisation
Technical and economic analyses confirmed that connecting Bielszowice to the efficient Mikołaj/Nowy Wirek system is the most cost-effective solution. The pipeline will be built using pre-insulated pipes to minimise heat losses and improve system efficiency.
– Thanks to the funding we can develop modern infrastructure that ensures safe and stable heat supplies while allowing us to adapt to changing market and environmental conditions – said Maciej Sołtysik, CEO of Węglokoks Energia.
Financial support and environmental benefits
The total investment is valued at 23.716 million złotys gross, with eligible costs estimated at 19.26 million złotys. The subsidy from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) and the European Regional Development Fund amounts to 13.129 million złotys, covering over 68% of qualified costs. The project falls under the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, and Environment 2021–2027 programme.
Environmental effects are substantial: annual reductions of 3,700.06 tonnes of CO₂ and 4.69 tonnes of particulate matter. After completion, the coal-fired Ciepłownia Bielszowice can be permanently shut down.
Future of the Bielszowice district
All current customers will be switched to the low-emission system. The investment also responds to the planned closure of the KWK Bielszowice mine, which supplies coal to the old plant.
– Thanks to the support of NFOŚiGW and European funds we can carry out this strategic decarbonisation investment. It is an important step in developing our heating system and meeting challenges related to the liquidation of the Bielszowice mine – added Łukasz Kozakowski, vice president for finance at Węglokoks Energia.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Węglokoks
