Polish government supports geothermal as part of heating strategy

Minister Anna Moskwa at AKSiM in Torun, Poland (source: Anna Moskwa via Twitter)

The Polish Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa reiterated the support of the government for geothermal during the conference “Geothermal for the development of Polish Cities and Communities” held at the Academy of Social and Media Culture held in Torun, Poland.

“Geothermal energy fits perfectly into a sovereignty. It is a source where we do now have to ask for anything. We have our own source and local potential,” said Moskwa. “So far, we have developed it in seven places. Torun has probably gone through the most difficult path when it comes to geothermal energy in Poland, not only in terms of time, but also in terms of complexity and the amount of opposition.”

The Minister also stated that geothermal energy is an essential component of the heating strategy of Poland.

The Minister gave an assurance that the state will help all local governments that wish to develop their own geothermal potential. One of the ways that the government will do this is by financing the first drilling operations for an exploration area.

“The first drilling is always risky. Despite good analyses, it is still unknown if the resource is viable. This is why we have removed this responsibility and risk from local government by financing the first drilling,” explained Moscow. The Minister further stated that this approach has allowed shorter periods for geothermal project development in recent years.

Minister Moskwa emphasized that geothermal development will happen where the technology allows it. “Unfortunately, not every city has its own geothermal potential and some will have to wait for future technology. In the meantime, these places will rely on coal, biomass, or natural gas.”

“We will follow the Polish path, mainly geothermal energy. If something good comes later, we will use this technology as much as possible,” added Moskwa.

There are several ongoing geothermal projects in Poland at different stages of development. Preparations for drilling have been announced in Grodziec, Wolomin, and Podhale. Earlier this year, Danish geothermal developer Innargi signed an agreement to explore the geothermal potential in the city of Poznan.

Source: Portal Samordzadowy and AKSiM via Twitter