Geothermal could improve air quality in metropolitan areas of Poland

In a recent interview with media, Poland’s Minister for the Enviroment Jan Szyszko, said that “the main renewable energy source in major metropolitan areas in Poland should be geothermal energy, and in rural areas – biomass.” In his opinion, this is one way of reducing carbon emissions.

Air quality is a priority for the Ministry of the Environment. At the moment, a very important issue is the suspended dust, which is a big problem particularly in metropolitan areas in Poland. To tackle this, new technologies of combustion burning both coal and other energy sources is crucial. Renewable energy sources could thereby play a major role and the primary source of cleaning up air should be geothermal, according to the Minister.

In the interview, the Minister reminds that Poland is blessed with a large geothermal potential and according to Professor Julian Sokolowski, the country’s geothermal resources exceed tens of times the country’s heat demand.

He noted that geothermal can be used throughout the year, as well as around the clock, regardless of the weather, regardless of “whether it is dark, whether it is light or the wind blows or it rains.”

According to the Minister of geothermal resources in Poland they are relatively well-cataloged, but should be further specified.

Asked if geothermal energy will be in a special way supported, e.g. In the framework of the National Fund programs, the minister stressed that it was supported by the Fund in the years 2005 – 2007, when PiS was previously in power.

The current government of Poland wants to set an emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and sees “renewable energy as a priority.”

The development of renewable energy sources currently falls under the responsibility of Ministry of Energy, but there is a close cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture. Poland has experiencing some serious delays in cutting down carbon emissions and is under pressure of potential sanctions from the European Union.

Source: Polish Press Agency via Biznes Alert