Comprehensive environmental care is reflected in ZEC’s equipment, including one of the most modern dust removal systems and the best boilers available on the market, as well as in selecting the optimal fine coal for combustion and monitoring this fuel for harmful substances, including sulphur. The chimney rebuilt using new technology, in accordance with the applicable, significantly stricter regulations and standards, also contributes to environmental protection, as does improving the efficiency of the network.
Ecological effects of ZEC projects completed in 2014
By adapting to constantly changing regulations arising from EU directives, Bolesławiec ZEC reduced dust emissions to 100 milligrams per cubic metre, even though such stringent parameters will only apply from 2016. ZEC is already prepared for them.
The plant has the latest generation of dust removal equipment. The modernisation was carried out in two stages. In 2005, it involved installing a two-stage dust removal system with multicyclones, and in 2013–2014 it was modernised further. Modern dust removal equipment patented by a Polish engineering company and developed using domestic technical expertise was installed. The dust removal equipment—new-generation cyclone and multicyclone batteries—performs very well. It makes it possible to achieve dust emissions below 100 milligrams per m³. The new equipment essentially generates no additional costs.
The ecological effect of modernising the dust removal system is a 62.57% reduction in dust emissions into Bolesławiec’s atmosphere. This result was calculated on the basis of average measurement data from 2009–2012. When analysing the environmental effects, data from a longer period were taken into account, and the results are even greater. The graph below shows that after 2016, dust emissions will amount to approximately 23% of the average emissions from 2006–2014 and only approximately 6% of the average emissions from 2001–2004. The graph also shows dust emissions calculated for the emission standards of 30 mg/Nm3 proposed by the European Union. It can be seen that the effect—approximately 6.24 tonnes—is small, while the costs of adapting the installation to such drastic standards, at the limit of the measuring equipment’s margin of error, are relatively high.
Network replacement: over 2 tonnes less dust in the atmosphere
Improved efficiency means reducing losses by replacing the old channel-based network with pre-insulated networks. ZEC used “foam-insulated” pipes consisting of a service pipe, polyurethane insulation and a protective casing.
There was a great deal of modernisation work. The heating network was replaced and connections to residential buildings were constructed at 2a–2b and 4a–4b Jana Pawła II Street and 6a–6b Staroszkolna Street. The modernisation of the district heating network included chambers in the area of Chrobrego and Asnyka streets, along Bielska Street towards Łukaszewicza Street, and along Kosiby and Starzyńskiego streets. The district heating networks were expanded towards Plac Zamkowy and in the area of Gdańska, Garncarska and Łokietka streets. A connection to Zespół Szkół Mechanicznych was also built. The heating networks were interconnected and the “Śródmiejska” main pipeline was reconstructed.
The expansion of the district heating network towards the centre of Bolesławiec and the construction of approximately 820 metres of district heating network to connect several facilities currently equipped with local gas boilers produced the expected ecological effect.
Dust emissions into the atmosphere will be reduced by approximately 2.2 tonnes. Compared with the existing situation, this represents a 68.3% reduction. A very similar ecological effect can be expected for sulphur dioxide emissions. They will be reduced by approximately 10 tonnes per year, which represents approximately 61.7% less than the current level of dust emissions. For individual substances, the ecological effect was calculated using the “ATMOTERM” programme.
ZEC’s attention to the appropriate quality of fine coal—already at the tender stage—also results in lower emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere during coal combustion. The graph below illustrates example sulphur dioxide emissions.
Low-Emission Economy Plan for Bolesławiec
The priorities for Bolesławiec’s Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej will be tasks related to reducing low emissions of gases, arising from the “Low-Emission Economy Plan for the City of Bolesławiec” adopted by the City Council on 20 May 2015.
“We are currently analysing the heating system in terms of the possibilities and directions for its optimal development, as well as preparing ZEC’s Strategy for 2015–2020. I would add that one of the strategy’s tasks will be to deliver heat for heating homes and supplying hot water to the Market Square and neighbouring streets. This will significantly raise living standards in the city centre, improving safety, eliminating low emissions of gases and dust, and enhancing its appearance,” says ZEC president Rafał Koronkiewicz about future plans.
The “Low-Emission Economy Plan for the City of Bolesławiec” is a strategic document focused on improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. The essence of the Plan is to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits through measures reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, to which Zakład Energetyki in Bolesławiec contributes to a great extent.