President Jarosław Kowalski: Safe and Eco-Friendly Heating from the Municipal Heating Company

Over the past several years, despite the challenges arising from the enormous energy crisis that affected the industry because of conflicts across Poland’s eastern border and the resulting coal shortage, Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej in Bolesławiec not only maintained continuity of heat supplies for residents but also achieved significant successes

– First and foremost, we managed to renegotiate the contract terms with Polska Grupa Górnicza, resulting in a 20% reduction in coal purchase prices in the last quarter of 2023 and a further 25% reduction in 2024. These actions helped ZEC achieve a profit for the second consecutive year, which is a very positive signal for our banking credibility and planned future investments – says Jarosław Kowalski, president of Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej.

– It should be emphasized that the price of heat and domestic hot water at our company is one of the lowest in the region, as confirmed by data from the Energy Regulatory Office. This is the result of our hard work and effective management, as well as our ability to adapt to dynamically changing market conditions – adds Jarosław Kowalski.

– Over the past five years, ZEC has completed investments worth more than PLN 15 million, including the construction of new district-heating mains, connections and substations. Modernization of the flue-gas dust-removal system is also an important element of our environmental-protection strategy – says proxy Maciej Gancarz.

This year, ZEC is continuing its investment activities, including connecting new residential and commercial buildings and implementing projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and the city’s appearance.

– It is worth mentioning our plans to build an internal fiber-optic network and a photovoltaic installation, which are intended not only to increase energy security but also to help improve resilience to potential cyberattacks. Thanks to the hard work of the entire ZEC team and the support of our partners and residents, despite the difficulties, we managed not only to survive the crisis but also to get back on track, giving us a strong foundation for an optimistic view of the future – says Jarosław Kowalski.

Reliability and savings

ZEC stands out for the reliability of its district-heating network, allowing Bolesławiec residents to enjoy continuous access to heat. In addition, the agreement with Polska Grupa Górnicza ensures a continuous supply of high-quality fuel at competitive prices. All this translates into lower heating costs for residents, making ZEC one of the most economical heat suppliers in the region, as confirmed by the Energy Regulatory Office as of 31 December 2023.

Environmental protection

ZEC uses advanced methods of cleaning gases and dust, including a two-stage dust-removal installation (multicyclones), ensuring that emissions are safe for the environment and residents. This shows that the company cares not only about thermal comfort but also about minimizing its environmental impact, which is particularly important today.

Investment and development

Between 2018 and 2024, ZEC invested more than PLN 15 million in modernizing and expanding its infrastructure, enabling new facilities, including residential buildings, to be connected. Planned projects, such as connecting a new commercial complex and installing photovoltaic systems, point to the network’s continued development and modernization.

Safety and comfort

ZEC offers district heating that is safe for health and life. Unlike household furnaces, which are often a source of pollution and danger, heat from ZEC is generated and distributed in a controlled and environmentally friendly manner. This guarantees not only user comfort but also safety for residents and the environment.

Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej in Bolesławiec is a model of effective and environmentally friendly heat delivery. Thanks to investments, modern solutions and responsible management, Bolesławiec residents can count on a safe, economical and environmentally friendly source of heat.

Advantages of ZEC district heating

• Generated in one location, under an Integrated Permit,
• Heat is distributed using hot water,
• Flue gases and gases generated at ZEC are first cleaned and only then discharged in a controlled manner through a high-emission chimney (more than 40 meters high),
• Fuel – coal fines from Polish mines, high-calorific and of good quality,
• Heat that is safe for health and life and provides user comfort,

Disadvantages of household furnaces

• decentralized heat source,
• unfiltered flue-gas emissions,
• fuel often of low quality (waste?),
• gas furnaces also emit greenhouse gases (CO2 emissions),
• the need to pay for maintenance and inspections of coal and gas boilers and flues,
• a threat to health and life due to leaking furnaces and escaping carbon monoxide,
• the need to purchase and store fuel,
• a threat to the health of all residents and road and street users – the discharge of smoke and flue gases at low height,

Technical data for the Bolesławiec heating plant

• 5 hot-water boilers (installed capacity: 44.8 MW)
• district-heating network length – 37.5 km (86% pre-insulated technology)
• 267 heating substations (including 204 owned by ZEC)
• Number of customers (signed contracts) – 230