Geothermal energy plays an important role in Poland's energy transition, and in the future may contribute to strengthening the country's energy security and ensuring a stable supply of thermal energy for institutional, business and individual consumers.

At the same time, the use of geothermal energy promotes ecological solutions, fitting in with global sustainable development strategies. As part of the activities of the Polish Geological Survey, the Department of Thermal, Therapeutic and Brine Waters is implementing the project ‘Energy, raw material potential and management of thermal, therapeutic and brine waters in Poland’.

The 2nd Forum ‘New prospects for geothermal development in Poland: rational management of water resources and geothermal energy’, held on 3 October 2024, was organised within the framework of the aforementioned project and aimed at promoting geothermal energy as an important element of Poland's energy transition. Among the opening speeches at the conference were presentations by: Prof. Krzysztof Galos, Undersecretary of State and Chief National Geologist, Prof. Krzysztof Szamałek, Józef Matysiak, Vice-President of the Management Board of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, and Olimpia Kozłowska, PhD, Deputy Director of the PGI-NRI.

The forum brought together 130 participants representing the world of science, central geological administration and representatives of local authorities from voivodships and poviats, entrepreneurs and investors from the geothermal sector.

Opening of the 2nd Forum – speech by Prof. Krzysztof Galos, Undersecretary of State and Chief National Geologist

Opening of the 2nd Forum – speech by Prof. Krzysztof Szamałek, Director of the PGI-NRI

Opening of the 2nd Forum – speech by Józef Matysiak, Vice-President of the Management Board of the NFEP&WM

Opening of the 2nd Forum – PhD Olimpia Kozłowska, Deputy Director of the PGI-NRI

The 2nd Forum became a space for discussion on the effective use of thermal water in district heating systems and a platform for strengthening cooperation between local authorities and private investors. The exchange of experience in the implementation of geothermal projects provided an excellent opportunity for discussions, which took place within the framework of four discussion panels, preceded by introductory presentations (Prof. Krzysztof Galos, Beata Kępińska, Prof. at the Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefaniak, Izabela Strzelecka).

Panel I, entitled ‘EU policy and prospects for the development of geothermal energy in Poland’, concerned the activities of governmental institutions, such as the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, aimed at intensifying the development of geothermal energy. Prof. Krzysztof Galos, Undersecretary of State and Chief National Geologist at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, pointed out that the development of geothermal energy is a priority for the government, and its implementation is in line with international commitments to increase the share of renewable energy sources (RES) and reduce pollutant emissions. It was emphasised that Poland has significant geothermal potential, particularly in the context of heating and recreation, thanks to favourable geological conditions.

Panel I

Panel II, entitled ‘Rational management of thermal water resources and geothermal energy’, was devoted to an analysis of the current state of exploration and management of thermal water resources. The discussion focused on the influence of geological, hydrogeological and economic factors on the effective use of these resources and on increasing the energy efficiency of geothermal-based systems. The panellists highlighted the need to continue the investments started and to standardise the construction of boreholes, which could significantly improve the efficiency of project implementation. The importance of data exchange between different entities exploiting the same resources was also highlighted, which is crucial for sustainable geothermal resource management.

Panel II

Panel III, entitled ‘Geothermal projects under development’, brought together representatives of investments at various stages of development. The discussion focused on the economic justification for the construction of geothermal heat plants, their cost-effectiveness and the long-term benefits of exploiting these energy sources. Technical, administrative and financial problems encountered at various stages of project implementation were also discussed. The key role of support for research, investment and infrastructure development was emphasised, and specific forms of financial support that could help accelerate the development of the geothermal sector in Poland were discussed.

Panel III

The final panel, entitled ‘Experiences of operating geothermal heat plants’, focused on analysing the various technical solutions used in existing heat plants. Attention was drawn to the favourable geological and hydrogeological conditions that favour the development of this sector, although previously its full exploitation was limited by a lack of funding. Current support programmes allow geothermal development, but additional financial incentives for private operators could significantly increase the rate of investment. It was also highlighted that the development of geothermal heat plants has contributed to the decommissioning of many coal-fired boiler plants, which has had a positive impact on the environment. Barriers were pointed out in the form of a lack of funds for the modernisation of existing facilities as well as formal and legal problems that prolong the investment process, which requires the simplification of administrative procedures.

Panel IV

The forum was well received by participants, including representatives of state administration, local governments, investors and the scientific community. The huge potential of geothermal in the transformation of the heating industry and its importance in the development of renewable energy sources in Poland were highlighted.

Text: Paulina Kopera
Photos: Michał Zieliński