Węglokoks Energia ZCP will build a 4.5 km heating main from the Mikołaj CHP plant to the Bielszowice district in Ruda Śląska for PLN 23.716 million gross. The investment will allow Bielszowice to switch from coal-fired heat to a low-emission system based on natural gas by 2028, significantly improving air quality.
The project is part of Węglokoks Energia ZCP’s consistent transformation strategy, aimed at completely phasing out coal by 2030. Currently, the Bielszowice heating network is supplied exclusively by the Bielszowice coal-fired heating plant.
Technical and economic analyses conducted by the company showed that the most efficient solution is to connect this network to the highly efficient Mikołaj/Nowy Wirek system, which uses natural gas. The Mikołaj CHP plant has a capacity of 104.6 MWt, over five times that of Bielszowice (19.5 MWt), and is also supported by its own photovoltaic panels.
A strategic step in decarbonisation
Węglokoks has secured co-financing of PLN 13.13 million, covering more than 68% of the eligible costs, which are estimated at PLN 19.26 million. The project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027 program, with the agreement signed with the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
– Thanks to the support of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management and European funds, we can implement a strategic decarbonisation investment. This is an important step in the development of our heating system and a response to the challenges related to the closure of the Bielszowice coal mine – said Łukasz Kozakowski, vice-president for Finance at Węglokoks Energia.
Modern technology and environmental benefits
The investment involves the construction of around 4.5 km of pre-insulated pipes, which will reduce transmission losses, increase energy efficiency, and improve supply security. After completion, the coal-fired Bielszowice heating plant can be decommissioned. Its current customers include residential buildings, public facilities, businesses, and the Bielszowice mine shaft.
– Thanks to the obtained funding, we can develop modern infrastructure that ensures safe and stable heat supplies while allowing us to gradually adapt to changing market and environmental conditions – added Maciej Sołtysik, CEO of Węglokoks Energia.
The project will bring measurable environmental benefits: a reduction in CO2 emissions of 3,700.06 tonnes per year and a reduction in dust emissions of 4.69 tonnes per year. All customers will be connected to the efficient Mikołaj/Nowy Wirek system, phasing out coal completely in the district.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Materiały prasowe / Węglokoks
