I have been participating in industry conferences for several years and we are talking about the transformation of heating all the time
– Piotr Górnik notices the president of Fortum Power and Heat Polska. –
From this perspective, it will look like an industry not over the changes in a large energy sector.
Although we have been talking about transformation for a long time, the progress does not look the same everywhere. Each heat system in Poland is different – both in terms of scale and technology. Therefore, as the president of Fortum emphasizes, everyone has to develop a transformation of the transformation. However, the direction must be common and in line with European regulations. Transformation may also not mean the increase in heat prices above the level acceptable level – this is one of the main challenges facing the industry.
Fortum shows the direction
Fortum does not start transformation from scratch. The company has been implementing decarbonisation projects for many years – both by improving the efficiency of old systems and investments in new icy.
In 2010, we launched one of the most modern heat in Europe in Czêstochów, burning local fuels – biomass and carbon
– says Piotr Górnik. –
In 2019, a similar project was implemented in Zabrze, where we operate the combined heat and power plant that can burn the coal, rdf and biomass.
In 2023, Fortum began the construction of two innovative heat pumps in Wrocław. One of them uses waste heat from the server room, the other – the energies of unwashed municipal activities. This is the first project of this type in Poland.
At the strategic level, Fortum declared his departure to 2027. So there is very little time, but, as the President of Fortum emphasizes, everything is on the right track: I have already signed an agreement for the first stage of reconstruction in Czêstochów and negotiations for Zabrze are ended.
Fortum has developed its transformation strategy based on three pillars:
- Decarbonization: departure from the hammer and other fossil fuels for local renewable and biomass and rdf. It is also a compound of heat pumps and new technologies.
- Digitization: Fortum implements digital solutions not only in its installations, but also for customers. It is a real -time tools that reduce heat consumption by recipients.
- Diversification: The company does not base its future on one technology and fuel. The future model is a selection of various lock and technology – including electrode boilers and heat warehouses as a peak supplementation of the combined heat and power plant.
Electrification – yes, but in moderation
One of the often recalled Hasels related to changes in heating is the electrification of this sector.
– heating electrification is a dominant trend in Europe
– confirms the president of Fortum –
But this is a process that will not happen during the year, two or even five years.
As he emphasizes, the key is the use of local resources – what is available and effective in a given place. The electrification is to be a supplement to the heating mix, not its base. It is also worth emphasizing that the role of heating systems in stabilizing the power system may be particularly important – by using excess energy from renewable energy, e.g. from wind farms or photovoltaics.
At this point, pay attention to the regulatory barriers. The problem is the energy classification – for example, the part obtained from waste is considered “renewable”. However, the heat created from electricity is still not treated as green, despite it can come from renewable energy. Professionals have long been postulated in changes in regulations that would allow them to use the potential of this type of solution.
Tariffs, submission, bureaucracy
Another challenge of operating on such an adjustable market is the heat system for heat. It is based at permanent annual rates, while electricity prices can change every hour.
This does not allow you to effectively use solutions based on electricity
– says Piotr Górnik. –
We need seasonal tariffs – other in summer, other winter.
An additional obstacle is the speed of the office.
If the project lasts seven years, and the half of this time is obtaining permits, it shows that as a state we are not ready for quick changes in the sector
– comments the president of Fortum.
And quick changes are necessary for price dynamics.
The transformation cannot be financed only by recipients
– says Piotr Górnik. –
If the prices are increased too much, customers start to get away from the systems and look for more beautiful alternatives.
As he notes, the current levels of public support – 40% row – may be insufficient for the thermal sector. It will be necessary not only to increase financial assistance, but also to simplify and accelerate the language of obtaining this assistance.
– Heating should not be treated as a separate industry. This is part of the energy sector
– emphasizes –
Only synergy between systems will allow us to effectively achieve climatic and economic goals.
The direction is good, but the road is
The Polish road to the decarbonization of heating continues – but a lot to do. An example of Fortum shows that changes are possible and real. However, it is necessary to adapt the regulations, more financial support and partnership co -creating with clients.
– We need to get out of the comfort zone and openly talk about how to provide heat safely, ecologically and at social acceptable prices
– sums up the president of Fortum.
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