As in the previous three years, Południowy Koncern Energetyczny, hosted the conference devoted to environmental protection in the energy sector 2008 organized by Branżowy Magazyn Przemysłowy [an industry magazine]. The symposium focused on the current environmental policy in Poland and the European Union with respect to energy sector as well as the issues of generating capacity restoration in the aspect of energy security and environmental protection. Experts discussed also emissions and CO₂ allowances.

Furthermore, the conference provided an opportunity for presentation of the most recent solutions and technologies in the area of environmental protection in the energy sector. The conference was attended by the industry representatives, experts on power plants and power and heating plants, energy crops producers, academic researchers and engineers. The conference continued for two days (11th and 12th February) and comprised four discussion panels. Each of the debates was chaired by a PKE representative.

The first panel Flue gas desulphurization – techniques and technologies was moderated by Sławomir Dziaduła from Jaworzno III Power Plant, providing a brief description of the upgrade of flue gas desulphurization installations in Jaworzno.

The second discussion Emissions. Limits. Certificates was headed by the Head of Łaziska Power Plant, Kazimierz Szynol. In his speech, Szynol noticed that in the light of successive environmental restrictions imposed on Poland by the European Union, the intensive development, which is much indispensable for the entire industry, appears to be seriously threatened. He also gave a lot of attention to the dramatic situation of the energy system, where the reserves amount to as little as 3%, while the safety levels correspond to 10-15%.

In the evening, a debate entitled Challenges for Polish Energy Industry in the Light of EU’ Policy Requirements was held. The participants (Mariusz Grochowski – Vattenfall Head Poland, Mirosław Niewiadomski – BOT, Jan Kurp – PKE, Krzysztof Zamasz – EC Tychy) and the guests discussed environmentally friendly projects implemented in the energy sector in recent years, co-generation and mechanisms facilitating operation of smaller units. As expected, a lot of attention was devoted to the most thorny issue in the industry i.e. CO₂ emissions allowances. This debate closed the first day of the conference.

On the second day, during the panel Co-incineration, Biomass, Gasification, Janusz Tchórz Environmental Manger at PKE described experiences in the area of co-incineration of biomass at PKE as well as indicated the importance and need for promotion of modern technologies in the contemporary energy industry. This year’s conference was closed by Stanisław Tokarski Director for Strategy and Management at PKE, who presented his paper Energy Efficiency as a Direction of Economic Development during the panel entitled Efficiency and Performance of Generating Equipment vs. the Effects on the Environment, he also chaired. The Director stressed also that the efficiency is the new EU policy direction, as well as referred to the related acts, Efficiency Directive and the Green Paper.

This year’s conference was concluded with a technological tour. The guests had an opportunity to see Łaziska Power Plant, flue gas desulphurization installations and the Museum of Energy Industry.

MAGDALENA SKRZYPIEC
magdalena.skrzypiec@pke.pl

Facts to remember

Conclusions of the debate attended by Jan Kurp – President of PKE, Krzysztof Zamasz – President of EC Tychy, Mirosław Niewiadomski – Head of the Department for Environmental Protection at BOT GiE SA, Mariusz Grochowski of Vattenfall Heat Poland :

1. The power units in Poland need to be upgraded and their parameters adjusted to the EU requirements in a relatively short time.
2. Insufficient power reserves, which are more often common, jeopardize energy security of the country. In addition, we need to state clearly whether the electric energy sector will be accounted for economic results or for the reserves?
3. New gold energy certificates for new environmentally friendly power units need to be implemented.
4. We must continue to build modern coal-fuelled power units – USA and Germany do not give up coal power plants.
5. Electric energy industry is looking forward to determination of the role of power heating plants in the overall energy mix of the country and the plans for construction of new units.
6. The increasing forest resources should be taken into consideration while calculating CO₂ allowances.
7. Statutory provisions pertaining to the percentage share of biomass from energy crops are unfeasible.
8. In the opinion of the attendants, there is a need for relevant and explicit regulations concerning construction of waste incineration plants.
9. European economies incur significant costs due to compliance with environmental regulations. When are the USA and China going to ratify the Kyoto Treaty?
10. The European States are giving up the idea of building nuclear power plants. The attendants look forward to presentation of plans concerning construction of a nuclear plant and determination of specific time framework for the project.
11. The attendants believe that Polish and Germany energy sectors are not treated on equal basis as far as the CO₂ emissions allowances are concerned and express their concerns with respect to CO₂ emissions allowances plans after 2012.