By Deanna Broman &

Liz Battocletti,

Bob Lawrence &

Associates, Inc.

Report No.

INEEL/EXT-99-01283

November 1999
By Deanna Broman &

Liz Battocletti,

Bob Lawrence &

Associates, Inc.

Report No.

INEEL/EXT-99-01283

November 1999

Prepared for

Idaho National Engineering &

Environmental Laboratory

Under Purchase Order

No. F99-181039

& the U.S. Department of Energy,

Assistant Secretary for Energy

Efficiency & Renewable Energy,

Office of Geothermal &

Wind Technologies

Under DOE Idaho Operations Office

Contract DE-AC07-99ID13727
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 November 1999

This information was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the U.S. Government. Neither the U.S.

Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any

legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information apparatus, product, or

process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific

commercial product, process or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily

constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Government or any agency thereof. The

views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Government or any

agency thereof.

Disclaimer
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 November 1999

INTRODUCTION .................................. 1

POWER PROFILE .................................. 3

POWER SUMMARY ................................ 3

GOVERNMENT/ LEGISLATION ...................... 8

MAP OF POLAND ................................ 16

GEOTHERMAL SITES/ 

PROJECTS ....................................... 17

CONCLUSION ................................... 34

BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................. 35

Table of Contents
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 1

The Database of Geothermal Resources in Poland

includes information on 25 specific geothermal sites,

representing at least 80 MWt in direct use potential. The

actual figures are much higher as specific potential data

is not available for all sites. 

The Database includes:

• Power Profile - basic information on Poland, e.g.,

population, installed capacity, power generation

breakdown, electricity prices, etc.;

• Power Summary - brief description of Poland’s

power sector and privatization; 

• Government / Legislation - relevant Polish

government agencies and laws; and 

• Geothermal Sites / Projects - includes a Site

Summary for each:

1. Name

2. Location

3. Status

4. Temperature

5. Installed Capacity (MWt)

6. Potential (MWt)

7. Chronology

8. Notes

Dynamic Database

The Database was designed to be dynamic. Created

using Microsoft® Access 97, it can be easily updated or

modified to include specific data which the industry

would find most useful. In addition, the Database can be

made more comprehensive by adding pertinent data, e.g.,

local population and market data, location of

transmission lines and roads, etc., using the Geographic

Information System (GIS) to the present structure. 

Finally, the Database could be adapted for posting on the

World Wide Web and searched using a variety of

variables such as country, desired temperature of

resource, estimated power potential, and other

parameters. 

Introduction
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 2

For immediate dissemination to the industry, the

Database has been converted to a PDF file.1

The Database of Geothermal Resources in Poland was

compiled and built by Deanna Broman and Liz

Battocletti of Bob Lawrence & Associates, Inc. for Idaho

National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

(INEEL) under Purchase Order No. F99-181039,

“Collection and Assembly of Published Data on

Geothermal Potential.”

Special appreciation goes to Joel Renner of INEEL

and Dr. Marshall Reed of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Geothermal and Wind Technologies for their

support. The author also wishes to thank the individuals,

companies, and organizations who provided assistance

and information. 

The map and photos on the cover and title page are,

clockwise from upper left: a sketch of the geothermal

heating network within the Podhale region (under

construction); the inside view of the central peak load in

Zakopane, Nowotarska Street (Photo T. Kliscz);

geothermal swimming pool, Antalowka Hill in Zakopane

(Photo M. Kowalski); and the outside view of the central

peak load in Zakopane, Nowotarska Street (Photo T.

Kliscz). Source: The Development Trends of

Geoenergetics in Poland in the 21st Century, Polish

Academy of Science, Mineral and Energy Economy

Research Institute, and Polish Geothermal Association,

proceedings of the European Geothermal Conference

Basel ‘99, 28-30 September 1999.

1

PDF files can be read and printed using the free

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader which can be

downloaded at http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/

acrobat/readstep.html).
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 3

Poland

Power Profile

Population (millions) - July 1998 38.92

Overall Electrification (% of population) 99%

GDP (billion US$) - 1998 est. 157.3

Real GDP Growth Rate - 1998 est. 4.8

Inflation Rate (CPI) - 1998 8.6

Total Installed Capacity (MWe) - 1998 33,843

Net Electricity Consumption per Capita (kWh) -

1998

2,800

Energy Demand Growth Rate (not stable) 1-2%

p.a.

Prices (US¢/kWh) - November 1999

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Source: ERA or URE: Energy Regulatory Authority

.07

.08

3.5

Estimated Geothermal Direct Use Potential (MWt) 80

Power Summary

Poland--with a population of almost 40 million, high per

capita electricity consumption, and dynamic private

sector growth–has the largest power generation sector in

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries. Electricity

consumption in 2010 is estimated to increase from

approximately 60 to 90% over 1993, pending the

country’s future economic situation. The Polish electric

energy market is still deeply engaged in the restructuring

process, which began in 1990. Major economic

initiatives of the Polish government include privatization

of state-owned industries, restructuring of the coal and

heavy industry sectors, and establishing an attractive

investment climate urgently needed for industrial

modernization and environmental protection. These

Poland
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 4

efforts will help Poland create an economically efficient

power industry capable of securing national energy

requirements in a free market economy.

Projections show that domestic demand for electricity

will grow by 50% over the next 20 years. Poland’s

installed capacity is projected by the Polish Power Grid

Company (PPGC) to be 42,200 MWe by 2015 and 45,540

MWe by 2020 (up from its current level of 33,843

MWe). 

Poland’s current installed capacity of over 33,000 MWe 

exceeds domestic demand by almost 30% and some of

the excess electricity is exported to neighboring

countries. Poland is also ranked first among all the CEE

countries with a total primary energy consumption of

almost 100 toe (Tons of Oil Equivalent). This amount is

equivalent to one-third of the total energy consumption

of all CEE countries combined. Total energy

consumption is estimated to increase by 138 toe by 2010. 

However, Poland is an inefficient energy consumer,

losing up to 30% of energy generated. The country uses

about 70% of the European Union’s (EU) average energy

consumption per capita.

In 1998, Poland consumed about 140 Twh of electricity

and generated about 143 Twh. With that, the Polish

Power Grid Company (PPGC) has proposed two growth

scenarios: 1) Prosperity economic growth scenario- in

which electricity demand is expected to increase by 3.3%

per year with peak load hitting 52,000 MWe by 2020 and

production reaching 315 Twh, and 2) Stagnant economic

growth scenario- in which electricity demand is expected

to increase by 2.6% per year with peak load reaching

45,000 MWe and production at 267 Twh.

Since 1990, the Polish electrical power sector (part of the

CENTREL system) has been restructured and modernized

its sector into three components: generation,

transmission and distribution. Since Poland’s electric

generating capacity exceeds current demand, investment

needs relate primarily to improving effectiveness and

competitiveness and addressing environmental concerns.

It is estimated that costs of modernization alone over the

next fifteen years will reach $50 billion. This amount is

needed to replace 16 GWE of obsolete installed capacity

and to satisfy stricter environmental standards set by the

EU. Of this amount, approximately $15 billion is needed

for the modernization of existing power plants. A

substantial portion of modernization costs is expected to

be covered by income generated from privatizing power

enterprises. According to the Polish government,

privatization of the energy sector should be completed

by 2001. This has created substantial opportunities for

U.S. firms. 
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 5

Polish power plant technology lags in the development

of combustion technology, control systems, and

emissions reduction. Construction of generation

capacity over the last 30 years has been inconsistent, due

to an aging system. More than half of the current

capacity was built in the 1970's. Approximately 60% of

the system has been in operation for over 15 years and

40% is more than 20 years old. Insufficient funding and

expenditure on maintenance and modernization projects

are the key reasons for the country’s antiquated system.

Out of a total of 33,843 MWe thermal generation

capacity, 

30,876 MWe is installed in public power stations and

2,967 MWe in industrial power stations (auto producers). 

The generation capacity of thermal power plants

accounts for about 94% of total public power station

capacity. The remaining 6% (2040 MWe) belongs to

hydroelectric power plants.

Ninety-seven percent of Polish electricity is coal

generated in 55 thermal plants, of which 33 are

combined power and heat plants (CHPs). Poland’s hard

coal reserves (high quality, low ash, low sulfur) are

concentrated in Upper Silesia, near the Czech Republic

border. Other coal basins are located in Lower Silesia

and Lublin. 

It is estimated that coal will remain the primary domestic

source of energy until 2010, accounting for over 95% of

Poland’s primary energy production and over 70% of

total consumption. Together, hard coal (mostly

bituminous) and soft coal (lignite) provide nearly all the

fuel consumed in Poland’s power plants, many of which

provide heat and hot water as well as electricity. Hard

coal public power stations account for 56.6% of total

installed capacity. Lignite- fired public power stations

represent 27.5%, industrial power stations 9.9%, and

hydro power stations at 6%. Coal exports, which go

primarily to customers in Europe and the Commonwealth

of Independent States, have been a long and major

source of foreign exchange.

Poland’s power industry is the main source of the

country’s environmental degradation. The main

ecological problems related to the power industry are: air

pollution with SO2, Nox, CO2 and dusts, the

contamination of the Vistuala and Odra Rivers with

salted water from the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, and

pollution of areas with tailings, after beneficiation of

coal and furnace wastes. 

The Polish government plans to restructure and reform

the power industry by reducing coal production from

140 million tons in 1995 to 120 million tons by 2000.

Eventually, coal’s share in primary energy will decrease
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 6

continually between 2000-2010 by approximately 0.5%

per year, with replacement needs being fulfilled by

natural gas and oil. This comprehensive restructuring

program has brought about changes that have created

positive economic and environmental implications;

changes that are imperative for Poland’s accession to the

EU. Increased consumption of natural gas as an

alternative to coal, is considered to be a key component

of Poland’s plan to meet the strict regulations. 

Since Poland produces small volumes of natural gas and

produces far less than it consumes, efforts are being

made to provide natural gas to areas that do not have it. 

Most domestic natural gas is produced in the western

part of the country which has low energy content, and

relies heavily on imports via pipeline from Russia. Plans

for larger imports of Russian natural gas through the

Yamal-Europe Transit Gas Pipeline are underway. Small

volumes of natural gas are also imported via a border

exchange with Germany. The state owned Polish Oil and

Gas Company (POGC) controls the entire sector and has

a monopoly on the importation, transmission, storage

and distribution of . Although gas consumption is not

currently increasing as quickly as expected, it is still

projected to double by 2010. It is estimated that gas will

represent about 20% of all fuel used by the Polish energy

sector by 2010.

There are presently no gas or nuclear powered

generating plants in operation. Construction of a nuclear

power plant in Zarnowiec (northern Poland) was begun

in the 1980's. However, following the disaster at

Chernobyl, construction was halted in 1990 with no

further plans for nuclear facilities. Still, the Polish

government’s policy aims at the diversification of fuels

used in the Polish power sector. 

According to the International Coal Report, Poland will

have to build new power plants in order to face the

increasing electricity demand. New power should be

commissioned at the rate of 400 MWe per year in 2000-

2004. This rate should be increased during the period

2004-2007, when older plants will be “decomissioned”.

There are currently several gas fired power plant projects

under development which includes the construction of

new power plants and the modernization of existing

ones.

When the PPGC organized a tender for power generation

projects based on sources other than coal and a

preference put on natural gas, it led the way to the

construction of Poland’s first natural gas fired

independent power project owned by the U.S. Enron

Corporation. This 116 MWe CHP plant will formally

begin operation at the beginning of the year 2000.
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 7

Poland has potential hydro power resources of 12-13

Twh per year, but only 15% of hydroelectricity is

presently utilized. Total installed capacity of hydro

power plants amounts to about 2008 MWe (about 7.3%

capacity of national power system). Out of 21 hydro

power plants, only 11 have a capacity of more than 10

MWe and four of these are peak-pump storage power

plants. Although thermal power plants dominate Poland,

the big hydropower plants play a key role during the offpeak periods, and pump water (with pumping units) to

upper reservoirs, thus returning energy back to the grid

during the peak load time. 

The transmission subsector is still owned by PPGC and

represents approximately 10% of the Polish electricity

assets. The distribution sector consists of 33 joint-stock

distribution companies and represent approximately 40%

of all Polish electricity sectors. In 1998, the electricity

consumption by households amounted to 19,771 GWh.

Technological inefficiency and severe environmental

problems are fundamental issues facing the Polish power

generation sector. According to estimates of the PPGC,

almost two-thirds of the total installed capacity requires

modernization and 2800 MWe will be decommissioned

before 2005. The Polish government’s policy for fuel

use diversification in the Polish energy sector is one of

the primary means of increasing the energy security of

the country. Poland’s status as an ascending EU member

makes it even more imperative the country meets

efficiency and environmental goals in a timely fashion. 

Poland committed to adapting its electricity market

regulations in November 1998 to EU standards within

four years. As previously stated, renovation costs alone

will reach about $15 million by 2010, thus creating a

great demand for investment.

Multilateral lending institutions, most notably the World

Bank, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA),

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

(EBRD), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)

are interested in investing in Poland’s power sector, such

as financing and participating in projects ranging from

building new, non-coal facilities to providing cleaner

technologies for existing coal fired plants. The EBRD is

focusing on joint venture arrangements in large turbine,

gas-fired turbines, and hydro turbines as the best

opportunities in the sector. The World Bank is heavily

involved in the modernization projects within power

generation, transmission and distribution. Privatization is

the key to modernization and efficiency of the electricity

sector. To date, only one generating plant has been fully

privatized.

The renewable energy sector in Poland is fairly marginal. 

Except for small hydropower plants, no other renewable
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 8

energy sources are used in Poland. However, there is

potential for geothermal and biomass energy. 

Geothermal energy resources in Poland are estimated to

be significant, especially in the southern region of the

country. Geothermal waters with a temperature of 70oC

or more can be utilized during the winter months for

heating purposes. There are several pilot projects

throughout the Polish region. and the World Bank in

Poland is involved in preparatory work for several

possible renewable projects, including use of geothermal

energy resources. Project sites are located in the

Zakopane, Skierniewice, Stargard and Szczecin areas.

Despite the challenges, due to its prospects for

tremendous growth, the U.S. Department of Commerce

has designated Poland one of the world’s ten Big

Emerging Markets (BEMs). Opportunities for investment

continue to exist while American companies lead

investment in Poland, accounting for over one-fourth of

all foreign investment. Prospect for real economic

growth, size of the Polish Market and political stability

are the top reasons most believe Poland is the best

market in CEE for U.S. investment.

Government / Legislation

Poland was one of the first countries to liberate itself

from Communist domination in the late 1980's and is

essentially a stable democracy. The successive postcommunist governments have contributed greatly to

Poland’s economic recovery with their devotion to a

sound fiscal and monetary reform. In early 1997, the

central government was reorganized, combining a

number of economic-related ministries and separating

the government’s ownership of State Owned Enterprises

(SOEs) and regulatory functions. However, changes of

government have tended to limit structural reform and

although a fast growing private sector currently

dominates it’s free-market economy, SOEs still play a

decisive role, especially in the energy sector. 

The Polish power sector has undergone a mass process of

decentralization, demonopolization, and liberalization. 

The Polish government recently began the process of

separating policymaking, regulatory and ownership

functions. The Minister of Economy is responsible for

preparation and implementation of national energy

policy. The President of the Energy Regulatory

Authority (ERA or URA) is responsible for the regulation

of fuels and energy production, distribution and trade, as

well as promotion of competitiveness in the sector. The

Minister of State Treasury performs the ownership

function of sector enterprises and together with the

Minister of Economy, prepares the assumptions of

ownership transformation policy in the energy sector.
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 9

Poland has disaggregated its power sector and now

allows competition among independent generation

companies. However, the power generation market is

still subject to a variety of regulatory requirements. 

Also, independent transmission and distribution

companies have been created that operate separately

from generating companies. Privatization of electricity

generation and distribution is also being considered,

although the government plans to maintain 51%

ownership of the transmission grid. The privatization of

SOE is carried out by two methods: 1) Capital

Privatization -joint stock enterprises, and 2) Direct

Privatization. Foreign investors may also take part in the

privatization process under certain requirements.

In November 1995, Poland began distributing vouchers

under its mass privatization program which covers about

500 mid-sized companies. The vouchers, which

ultimately will be redeemable for shares in 15 national

investment funds are now being traded in a second

market on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The government

is pursuing limited commercialization of major state

owned companies in designated strategic sectors

including energy, by forming sector based holding

companies prior to full privatization.

Poland has instituted a regulatory and legal regime

that protects property rights and investment, allows

private business activity in almost every sector of the

economy, provides generally equal treatment for

domestic and foreign companies and permits the

repatriation abroad of profits and capital. Overall, the

current regulatory and legal regime complies with freemarket principles and is supportive of foreign

investment. The new constitution protects the rights of

private ownership and succession and in 1996, Poland

joined the Organization for Economic Cooperation and

Development (OECD). Poland is also a member of the

World Trade Organization (WTO).

Ministry of Economy

Established in June 1996, the Ministry of Economy’s

statutory task is to initiate and implement the state policy

in the scope of economic development for the country

and to provide for a coordination of the functions of

various governmental bodies. These powers include

foreign trade, energy and cooperation with economic

self-government organizations. Duties include

submitting guidelines for the energy policy of the state. 

Within the organizational structure of the Ministry is the

Energy and Environment Department whose primary

functions are:
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 10

C the elaboration of guidelines for the energy policy

of the state and functioning of national energy

systems to the Council of Ministers;

C shaping the national policy of governmental

prices for electricity, gas and heat, and

C shaping the policy regarding the sector’s impact

on natural environment.

Tasks include the elaboration of industrial policy

guidelines and of programs for industry, issuing

opinions on privatization programs and projects,

designing activities in support of technological progress

in the economy, and cooperation in standardization and

working on the implementation of the EU and WTO

recommendations.

In September 1996, the Council of Ministers approved

the document titled “Demonopolization and Privatization

of Electrical Power Industry.” It is a comprehensive

program for liberalization of the electrical energy

monopoly by introduction of a competitive market,

privatization and decontrolled electricity prices. The

document was prepared by the Ministry of Economy

together with the Polish Power Grid Company. The

program is a continuation of the power sector

reconstruction process begun in 1990 and creates the

basis for all the transformations which are currently

taking place in the sector. The main features of this

program are:

C introduction of competition in the energy

generation sector by launching an electricity

exchange and contract market;

C privatization of electrical power and CHP

generation plants, privatization of Polish Power

Grid S.A. and distribution companies;

C withdrawal of PPG from intervention in electricity

wholesale trade; and

C freeing up of electricity and heat prices.

Electrical Power Generation

According to the program, all state-owned power and

CHP generation plants should be first transformed into

joint stock companies wholly owned by the State

Treasury, and then privatized. Poland’s power plants

would be allowed to merge with one another, with the

exception of giant plants forming a monopoly structure.

The goal is to create five or six large profitable energy

producers (about 5000 MWe) capable of providing

financing for modernization and competing with each
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 11

other. Plants have the option of doing one of the

following to remain in the market: 1) merge with another

plan, 2) secure a long-term contract with PPGC for

energy sales, or 3) merge with an energy distribution

company. Those who do not find customers or strategic

investors will be liquidated.

Electrical Power Transmission

The Polish Power Grid Company will remain an

intermediary in the wholesale trade of electric energy in

Poland for the next four to five years. Currently, the

electricity exchange and contract markets are created,

and ultimately, PPGC will be eliminated as the

intermediary of electric sales. Distribution companies

and large end-users will take over the long-term contract

liabilities for electricity purchase from PPGC. Also, the

National Power Dispatch (NPD), which is part of PPGC,

will no longer have decisive and regulatory rights over

power dispatching. Presently, NPD decides, on the

lowest cost basis, which blocks in which stations are to

be in operation. When competition develops and

electricity pool and contract markets operate, such

decisions will be made on the basis of sale/purchase

offers presented by energy producers and buyers. NPD

will be responding to market signals and this process will

be largely automated.

Electrical Power Distribution Companies

These companies will be able to merge in order to create

several large consortia capable of financing investment

projects. The government is to intervene only if too

many distribution companies would form a monopoly

entity. According to the Energy Law, the distribution

companies will be able to apply for a license for energy

supply. The supply will have to be separated from the

companies basic activity, such as electricity distribution. 

In the role of electricity suppliers, the distribution

companies will be overseen by the Energy Regulatory

Authority (ERA or URE), created under the energy bill.

Privatization

The main purpose of privatization is to create a

competitive electricity market in Poland and to assure

up-to-date technology and financing for investment

projects. Poland’s privatization program calls for the

full privatization of all CHP plants and distribution

companies. Prior to the adoption of the Energy Law,

power plants could be privatized only as pilot projects.

The privatization of energy enterprises is regulated by

the Law on Commercialization and Privatization of StateOwned Enterprises (SOEs). The authority responsible
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 12

for privatization is the Minister of State Treasury. The

privatization of the power sector will likely involve

either individually negotiated private sales transactions

in which a strategic investor acquires a stake of shares of

public offering of shares.

Restructuring and privatization of the energy sector has

proceeded slowly due to opposition from trade unions

and others. Some SOEs have been transformed into

state-owned-joint-stock companies. Polish law does

permit 100% foreign ownership of most corporations,

however, Poland has declared that the state should retain

a key role in certain strategic sectors including energy. 

Thus, the Polish State Treasury retains a significant stake

and restricts foreign ownership to less than 50%. So far,

only three companies have been privatized. 

The Energy Law

The new Energy Law, was adopted by the Parliament on

April 10, 1997, and came into force in December 1997. 

The legal framework created by the Energy Law provides

a good foundation for the Polish energy sector to fit

within the larger framework of the future European

Union energy system. Supplementary legislation and

regulations, which are necessary for the support of

implementation of the new law, are still in the process of

being drafted by the government. 

The Energy Law defines the principles for developing a

national energy policy, the principles and terms for the

supply and use of fuels and energy, including heat and

the operation of energy enterprises, and also designates

the organizations that have jurisdiction over issues of

fuel and energy economy. The purpose of the law is to

create the conditions that will provide energy security,

efficient and rational use of fuels and energy,

development of competition, counteraction of the

negative consequences of the existence of natural

monopolies, environmental protection, customer

interests and minimizing of costs. The Law regulates all

areas of the energy sector except the exploration and

utilization of natural resources which is covered by the

Geological and Mining Law. 

The Energy Law defines the conditions of conducting

economic activities in the energy sector, and imposes

certain obligations on economic entities and guarantees

them certain rights. The key provisions of the law

include:

C establishing a solid legal framework defining the

rights and duties of producers, distributors and

users of energy and putting licensing procedures

into place;
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 13

C setting up an independent regulatory entity which

would ensure competition within the energy

sector; and 

C guaranteeing Third Party Access (TPA) of

enterprises to energy distribution grids or

pipelines, provided the third parties produce

energy domestically and have met contractual and

governmental obligations. 

The major task of the new law is to introduce a

competitive market in the electric energy and gas

industries. Under the law, energy enterprises will have

to sign contracts for delivery of electric energy, gas and

heat and will also have to follow the TPA rule allowing

all domestic energy entities equal access to the

electricity and gas networks. 

Third Party Access (TPA)

The TPA rule is limited only to electricity and gas

produced domestically. TPA will enable end-users to

sign power purchase contracts directly with power

producers and power supply companies. Currently, the

electricity end-user is obliged to buy electricity from the

regional energy company, a monopoly in the region. 

Electricity trading companies, i.e., electricity

intermediaries, do not presently exist in Poland. The law

creates the legal framework to develop the fourth electric

energy market segment, electric power trading, in

addition to production, transmission and distribution. In

practice, this means that when an end-user is not

satisfied with its energy company service, it will have the

choice to turn to another electricity supplier. The owner

of the electricity distribution network in the region will

be obliged to render access to the distribution grid for

another supplier (on a fee basis). Also, the Polish Power

Grid Company will have to make their high voltage

power grid accessible to other power trading companies.

Polish Power Grid Company (PPGC or PSE SA)

The PPGC was established in 1990 as a joint-stock

company wholly owned by the State Treasury. The

target of the PPGC is to ensure cost-efficient operation of

the national power system allowing for different

generation costs of individual power stations,

transmission costs and international exchange. The

functions of the PPGC include:

C power dispatching within the national power

system in order to ensure continuity and

reliability of supply;

C maintaining and developing technical

infrastructure necessary for power dispatching;
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 14

C managing domestic electricity turnover

(wholesale in electricity trade);

C cooperating of the national power system with

foreign systems;

C operating and expanding the transmission system;

C maintaining technical reserves of the power

transmission system Economic Chamber of *; and

C operating and construction of hydro-power

stations and pumped storage power stations.

PPGC owns all transmission assets and a majority share

in the Pumped Storage Power Stations Company. This

company essentially provides a significant part of the

power capacity regulation for the electric power system

in Poland.

The privatization of PPGC is planned for 2000-2001. It

will then turn over its shares in the long-term power

purchase agreements to the distribution companies and

will abandon concluding medium and long-term

contracts. In the long term, PPGC will not be involved in

the domestic trade of electric power. It will however

remain the operator of the wholesale distribution of

electric energy, as well as the power dispatch center for

national energy generation system.

Energy Regulatory Agency (ERA) 

The Energy Regulatory Agency (ERA) was established in

1987 to issue licenses for electricity, gas and heat

production, transmission, distribution and domestic

trade. The ERA also verifies and controls tariffs,

supervises the contracts for power supply and intervenes

with natural monopolies such as the power grid. The

ERA consists of seven members, and the head of the ERA

is appointed by the prime minister. Foreign trade in gas

and electricity will require a license from the Ministry of

Economy, and the necessary intermediary of Polish Oil

and Gas Company (for gas) and Polish Power Grid (for

electricity) will be required for local distribution. 

The new law states that the Ministry of Economy is

responsible for overall national energy policy, while the

ERA has regulatory rights. A new mechanism for setting

energy prices will be established. The government will

gradually move away from centrally set prices in favor

of prices resulting from completion and determined by

energy producers under the supervision of the ERA. 

Regional electricity and gas price variations will be

introduced. Two years after introduction of the energy

law, electricity and gas prices will be freed.
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 15

Licensing

Conducting business activities within the area of

generation, transformation, storage, transmission,

distribution or trade of energy or fuels requires obtaining

a license. Such licenses are granted by the President of

the ERA for a period not shorter than 10 years and not

longer than 50 years. Licenses may be issued to

enterprises with their seat in the Republic of Poland that

demonstrate availability of sufficient funds and technical

capabilities, ensure employment of personnel with

proper qualifications (as specified by the Energy Law)

and have obtained a decision on the conditions of the

site development with respect to a particular project.

Foreign trade in gas and electricity requires a license

issued by the Minister of Economy, and the necessary

intermediary of Polish Oil and Gas Company (gas) and

Polish Power Grid (electricity) is required for local

distribution.

Pricing and Tariffs

Formally as of January 1999, the prices of electricity and

thermal energy are free. However, in order to limit the

potential price volatility, the maximum level of price

increases for 1999 have been set at 15% for electricity

and 14% for thermal energy. The Minister of Finance

retains the power to set tariffs for gaseous fuels until

December 1999. The energy enterprises are obliged to

establish their own tariffs that are subject to approval by

the President of ERA. According to the Energy Law

ordinances relating to the tariffs should provide detailed

regulations aimed of maintaining a balance between

coverage of justified costs incurred by energy

enterprises and the protection of final consumers against

unjustified prices. Under the Energy Law, the President

of ERA may exempt the energy enterprises from the

obligation of submitting its tariff for approval if he

decides that such enterprise operates on a competitive

market.

Polish Oil and Gas Company (POGC)

In the 1980's the Polish oil and gas industries were

combined into a single legal and economic entity, which

became the Polish Oil and Gas Company. This was

accomplished in an attempt to improve coordination and

efficiency of gas supplies form domestic sources with

imported supplies. The POGC is a joint stock company

wholly owned by the State Treasury. In recent years,

POGC has been undergoing an economic and legal

transformation, thus causing the restructuring of the

entire oil and gas industry in Poland, considered a

restructuring and privatization program. The primary

goals of the program are to ensure improved efficiency
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 16

within the sector, including the introduction of

commercial agreements for all services, transparent

pricing for all consumers, and the preparation to face

international competition.

Currently, POGC is the only producer of oil and natural

gas, which are both marginal. The POGC holds a

monopoly on the importation, transmission, storage and

distribution of natural gas.

The Polish government considers the oil industry one of 

the sectors of strategic importance to national security.

The domestic refining industry partially meets the

demand for oil products and approximately 20% of

liquid fuels are imported. Thus, the oil sector, both

production and distribution, requires substantial

investments in order to keep up with worldwide

competition. 

Major problems faced by the petroleum industry include

lack of capital, obsolete technology, poor energy

efficiency, excessive use of raw materials, low utilization

of existing capacity (below 80%), and negative

environmental impacts.

National Environmental Policy

Poland’s “National Environmental Policy” was issued in

1990 and approved by National Parliament in 1991. It

was the first of its kind to be issued by an Eastern

European country. The document defines the main

principles, priorities and goals of the environmental

protection in Poland. It is also serving as the basis for

further refinements in Poland’s environmental policy,

including the development of a National Environmental

Action Program consistent with the Lucerne Agreement.

Poland’s 1990 policy identified priorities for the short,

medium and long term. Poland’s air pollution control

priorities include reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from

coal combustion in existing and new boilers, use of

“fluidized” bed and coal gas technologies, and

substitution of district heating for individual stoves. 

Poland also plans to improve air quality through the use

of lead-free gasoline, non-asbestos brakes, and coalgasification. 

As far as the electricity sector is concerned, Poland’s

priorities include: completing projects in progress,

retrofitting existing capacities with more efficient

generating units and environmental protection

equipment, install more peak capacity, construct new

base-load capacities, and improve the efficiency of

transmission and distribution. The country also aims to
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 17

pursue new technologies, including combined gas cycle

technologies and clean coal technologies.

Credit lines are available for environmental protection

investments on preferential conditions, thanks to funds

provided by internal sources as well as the World Bank, 

EBRD, and others. Poland has adopted the “polluter

pays” principle. Fees and fines for use and pollution of

the environment are being collected by the National and

Regional Funds for Environmental Protection and Water

Management. These funds offer preferential loans for

environmental projects.

No specific law for Geothermal

In Poland, there is no specific law for the development of

geothermal resources.
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 18
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 19

Geothermal Sites / Projects

Low enthalpy geothermal waters have been known in

Poland since the 10th century and used mainly for

balneological purposes and health resorts. 

Geologically, Poland’s tectonic structure is complex and

may be divided into three diverse tectonic provinces.

The northeastern part of the country belongs to the PreCambrian Eastern European craton. The Variscan fold

belt of late Paleozoic consolidation dominates the

western part of Poland. To the south, the Variscides

border on the Alpine belt, which is represented by the

western Carpathians (Geothermal Atlas, 1992).

According to other geotectonic criteria, Poland may be

divided into two areas: a platform area, belonging to the

Pre-Cambrian East European and Paleozoic WestEuropean platforms, and an orogenic area (the

Carpathians), belonging to the Alpine orogen. 

Geological megacomplexes and complexes are separated

within the platform area while the orogenic area are

divided into the Inner and Outer Carpathians.

(Sokolowski, 1995)

According to the Geothermal Atlas, the system of deep

reaching fractures running approximately from the

northwest to the southeast, following the south-western

margin of the East European platform, is called the

Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone (TTZ) an area 50 to 90 km

wide with anomalous character. The central and northern

parts of the TTZ are distinguished by massive

manifestations of salt tectonics, which may have greatly

affected its local heat flow pattern. The crustal thickness

of 50 km in the northern part of the TTZ increases about

55 km in its central part and is more than 60 km in a

narrow strip area in its southern part. The depth of the

consolidated basement varies from 10 to 12 km along the

whole TTZ, confirming its thick sedimentation.

Heat flow observations are regularly monitored in the

Polish territory and allow assessment of geothermal

activity of all major tectonic areas along with the heat

flow patterns of the country. Data has been acquired

from borehole logging measurements using temperature

gradients and conductivities. Low heat flow values are

typical in the southwestern margin of the East European

platform (northeastern Poland), and dominate regions

where the PreCambrian basement is uplifted. Higher

values are typical in areas of depressed basement, such

as the Podlasie depression. Geothermal conditions vary

within the TTZ and near the central area, many positive

geothermal anomalies have been recorded relevant to

salt diapirs present. The Paleozoic platform running west

and south-west produce higher heat flow, with the

highest value reported near Ladek. Meanwhile, the
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 20

geothermal activity in the Carpathian range increases

from the outer to the inner tectonic units.

There are relatively few thermal springs or geothermal

outflows in Poland. Over 80% of the Polish territory is

built of geostructural sedimentary basins with numerous

geothermal aquifers. The following geothermal

Provinces and Regions were distinguished within the

country. (Sokolowski, 1993):

C Polish Lowlands - part of Central European

Province: with seven districts. (Lower

Palaeozoic-Cretaceous). The reservoir

temperatures range from 30 to 130 Deg. C.

(1-3 km of depth). The Total Dissolved

Solids (TDS) range from 1 to 300 g/l.

Geothermal resources have been estimated

for over 6,225 km3 water with thermal

energy equal to 32,458 million toe.

C Fore-Carpathians - with geothermal

aquifers in Mesozoic-Tertiary formations. 

The reservoir temperatures range from 25

to 50 Deg. C. The TDS is variable, from

several to ca. 100 g/l. Geothermal water

resources have been estimated for 360 km3

with thermal energy equal to 1,555 million

toe.

C Carpathians - with geothermal aquifers in

Mesozoic-Tertiary formations. The TDS

range from 0.1 to ca. 100 g/l. Geothermal

water resources have been estimated for

361 km3 with thermal energy equal to 714

million toe.

C Sudetes-Holy Cross Region: with limited

possibility of geothermal aquifers’

occurrence (fractured Precambrian and

Palaeozoic crystalline rocks). (Kepinska et

al,1999)

For the above Provinces, the proven geothermal reserves

(based on flow tests from numerous wells) amount from

several l/s up to 55-150 l/s of geothermal water. The

terrestrial heat flow values amount to 20-90 W/m2, while

geothermal gradients are in the range of 1-4 oC/100 m.

(Sokolowski, 1995).

Following are the above Districts found within the Polish

Lowland Province. The following summaries are from

the Geothermal Atlas:

Grudziadz-Warszawa District contains around 2.766 Km3

of geothermal waters with an energy equivalent of 9.835

Mwt of standard fuel in the Cretaceous and Jurassic
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 21

sediments and additionally, 344 Km3 of geothermal

waters equivalent to 2.107 Mt of standard fuel in the

Triassic sediments. The greatest resources - 1.845 Km3 -

are contained in the Liassic formation (Gorecki et al.

1986). The temperature of the Liassic waters at a depth

of 1-3 Km varies from 25 deg. C to 90 deg. C and their

salinity, from 2 to 110 gm/l, while their discharges

measured by Sokolski et al (1986) ranged from .003 to

0.04 m3/sec.

Szczecin-Lodz District (67,000 Km2) contains resources

of geothermal waters about 2.580 Km3 with an energy

equivalent of 16.627 Mt of standard fuel in Cretaceaous

and Hurassic sediments. Additional 274 Km3 of

geothermal waters (2.185 Mt of standard fuel) have been

found in the Triassic sediments. The greatest resources

(1.935 Km3) also are contained in the Liassic formation

(Gorecki et al. 1986). The temperature of the Liassic

waters at a depth of 1-3 Km varies from 25 deg. C to 90

deg. C and their salinity, from 2 to 110 gm/l, while their

discharges measured by Sokolski et al (1986) ranged

from .003 to 0.04 m3/sec.

Foresudetes-North Swietokrzyski District (39,000 Km2)

contains around 155 KM3 of geothermal water in Triassic

and Permian sediments (995 Mt of standard fuel). These

waters are highly mineralized (300 gm/liter).

Coastal District (12,000 Km2) contains around 21 Km3 of

geothermal waters (162 Mt of standard fuel). The waters

occur in several stratigraphic units of the Permian,

Carboniferous and Devonian as well as of Liassic and

Triassic ages.

Lublin District (12,000 Km2) contains around 30 Km3 of

geothermal water (193 Mt of standard fuel) in

Carboniferous and Devonian formations, characterized

by low permeabilities and low discharges (Sokolowski,

1988).

Baltic District (15,000 Km2) contains around 38 Km3 of

geothermal water (241 Mt of standard fuel) in

Carboniferous and partly in Permian and Mesozoic

formations

Podlasie District (7000 Km2) contains around 17 Km3 of

geothermal waters (113 Mt of standard fuel) mainly in

Cambrian and Permian formations (Sokolowski, 1988).

Systematically, the first publications showing interest in

geothermal sources in the Tatra and Podhale regions in

Poland appeared in the middle of the 19th century. Then,

in the post war era, initiative of complex investigations

of geothermal water occurrences in the Tatra mountains

was undertaken by S. Sokolowski, who elaborated the

project of a deep well in Zakopane. Geological and
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 22

drilling studies were continued, and the drilling of the

exploratory well Banska IG-1 in the Podhale region

(finished in 1981), proved the occurrence of geothermal

waters with a very low mineralization (3g/l), high

temperature (82oC) and with artesian pressure of about

26 atm. (Sokolowski,1995).

As a result of these findings, the Polish Academy of

Sciences-Mineral and Energy Research Center (MEERC),

Academy of Mining and Metallurgy and the State

Institute of Geology, conducted detailed investigations. 

Not until the late 1980's was major research and

investigations conducted in matters relating to

geothermal water utilization for heating purposes. It was

based on data from over 7,000 wells, extensive

geological, hydrogeological and geophysical surveys

conducted during the past years (Sokolowski, 1995). 

Recently, new data has been acquired from drillings and

other work, with detailed exploration focused on the

most promising areas of the Polish Lowland Province

and the Podhale Region.

In 1997, the Cieplice Resort in the Sudetes Mountains 

experienced successful geothermal drilling. For the

period of 1995-1999, three deep (2.5-3.5 km) production

wells were drilled; two in the Podhale region and one in

the Skierniewice town (Polish Lowland). One well was

deepened from 660 m to 2002 m and tested (Cieplice

Spa, the Sudetes Mts.). As a result, there have been

several estimations of thermal potential and utilization

projects for the wells previously drilled that revealed

geothermal aquifers (Kepinska et al. 1998).

The Polish thermal reservoirs are exclusively low

enthalpy and these geological conditions of geothermal

water occurrence in Poland were a subject of numerous

research works. No evidence has been found, so far of

high enthalpy anomalies. There is one promising factor,

however, that the thermal waters have, generally, a low

mineralization content. This enhances their usefulness

for direct heating purposes. 

Geothermal energy use in Poland has been only on a

limited scale and focused mainly on space heating and

balneology. The research implementation works

performed since the 1980's have resulted in starting up

two geothermal stations in Poland. The country currently

has only two geothermal plants on-line, with a third

expected to be in operation sometime in 1999. The first

was built in the Podhale region in Banska-Bialy Dunajec

in 1994. It was initiated by the Polish Academy of

Sciences to be commercially continued by Geotermia

Podhalanska, SA. The other station was built in Pyrzyce

in 1996 and is now operated by the company Geotermia

Pyrzycka, Ltd. 
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 23

The share of renewable energy as a source of energy in

Poland is scarce. Thus, making greater use of Poland’s

low enthalpy geothermal resources could significantly

help combat the serious pollution problems caused by

years of burning coal for heating purposes. Favorable

conditions of geothermal waters also occur over vast

areas and in the long run, can be much cheaper than

energy obtained from coal, oil or natural gas. 

In 1998, the installed geothermal capacity was 36 MWt

and although it used mainly as a local energy source,

geothermal use will benefit in the reduction of pollutants

generated by Poland’s traditional heating systems. 

Capacity of geothermal heating plants is expected to rise

to 5.0 GW (up from 1.3 in 1995) and the capacity of

geothermal power plants is expected to double.

The total investments in geothermal sector in Poland in

1995-1998 can be estimated as $50 million. They were

financed by Polish means (National Fund for

Environmental Protection and Water Management,

Ecofund, Committee for Science Researches, counties,

cities, geothermal companies) and from the foreign

sources (PHARE, The World Bank, Danish, Italian and

German means) (Kepinska, 1999).

The geothermal sites in Poland, listed according to

District, Province, and Region, are:

I. Grudziadz-Warsaw District

1) Ciechocinek

2) Konstancin

3) Mszczonow

4) Skierniewice

5) Zyrardow

II. Szczecin-Lodz District

6) Chociwel

7) Czarnkow

8) Koto

9) Nowogard

10) Poddebice

11) Pyrzyce

12) Sleslin

13) Stargard Szczecinski

14) Uniejow

15) Wagrowiec

III. Fore Carpathian Province

16) Slominki
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 24

IV. Carpathian Province

17) Banska-BialyDunajec

18) Iwonicz

19) Myslenice

20) Sucha B

21) Ustron

22) Zakopane

 V. Sudetes-Holycross Region

23) Cieplice

24) Duszniki Zdroj

25) Ladek Zdroj

GRUDZIADZ-WARSAW REGION

Ciechocinek

LOCATION

Located in Grudziadz-Warsaw Region

STATUS

Direct Use- developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20-62

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) ---

POTENTIAL (MWt) ---

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Spas using geothermal waters from springs or wells

Konstancin

LOCATION

Located in Grudziadz-Warsaw Region

STATUS

Direct Use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20-62

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) ---

POTENTIAL (MWt) ---

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Spas using geothermal waters from springs or wells

Mszczonow

LOCATION

Situated between Katowice and Warsaw approximately
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 25

50 km southwest of Warsaw; located in the

Grudziadz-Warsaw District.

STATUS

Direct use - developed.

TEMPERATURE (°C) 45

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) 2

POTENTIAL (MWt) — 

CHRONOLOGY

1977 - 1 exploration well drilled, IG-1; encountered

temperatures of 45oC, well suppressed at depth of 4119

m.

1999 - Construction of recreation center began. 

Fall 1999 - Pilot plant began operation. 

NOTES

IG-1 was selected for the reconstruction and testing of

a district heat and hot water project.

The pilot station will use geothermal water and its heat

in the amount of 30-60 m3/h, obtaining heat from the

thermal water by a heat pump at the power of about 2

MWt.

The heating system in the Mszczonow town relies on

thermal water from IG-1 well and is integrated with

two systems: absorption heat pumps or compressed air

heating pumps.

The pilot plant will reduce air pollution coming from

burning about 4000 tons of coal dust and about 680

tons of ashes per year. 

Skierniewice

LOCATION

In the central part of Poland near Warsaw; near 52o

latitude, 20o longitude; located in the

Grudziadz-Warsaw District

STATUS

Well(s) or hole(s) drilled

TEMPERATURE (°C) 70

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

1991 and 1997 - 2 exploratory wells drilled, GT-1 and

GT-2; each well would produce about 175 m3/h

thermal water at a temperature of around 70oC. Plans
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 26

are to build six wells (in 3 doublets)

NOTES

Work at both wells and hydrodynamic tests was

performed by Geotermia Mazowiecka SA and financed

by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural

Abundance and Forestry.

This heating project would install absorptive heat

pumps and be integrated with existing hot water

boilers.

Zyrardow

LOCATION

In the central part of Poland, near Warsaw. Second

town in the Skierniewice voivodeship; near 52o

latitude, 20.5o longitude; in the Grudziadz-Warsaw

District.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) 75

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Geotermia Mazowiecka S.A. is planning to drill three

geothermal doublets in Zyrardow.

Like Skierniewice, completion of the heating project

will be started by building a geothermal plant the

town’s heating plant which currently supplies heat and

hot water to over 11,000 people. 

Geothermal heat will be integrated with the plant by

installing absorptive heating pump and using the

existing coal boilers. Total project cost estimated

at$7.4 million.

SZCZECIN-LODZ DISTRICT

Chociwel

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin-Lodz District just outside

Nowogard.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 27

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Czarnkow

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin-Lodz District, north of

Wagrowiec.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Koto

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin-Lodz District, north of

Uniejow and south of Slesin; near 52o latitude, 19o

longitude.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —-

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Nowogard

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin-Lodz District, north of

Chociwel.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/ report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 28

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Poddebice

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin-Lodz District outside

Uniejow.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Pyrzyce

LOCATION

In northwestern Poland 40 KM south of Szczecin; in

the Szczecin-Lodz District; near 53o latitude, 15o

longitude.

STATUS

Direct Use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 45-95

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) 50

POTENTIAL (MWt) 50

CHRONOLOGY

1996- First geothermal heating system in Poland began

operating, replacing 68 traditional heating plants. The

plant supplies central heating (95/45oC) and hot water 

to 12,000 customers. 

NOTES

Pyrzyce was Poland’s first geothermal heating system. 

A district heating system does not exist; buildings are

heated by 68 individual coal fired boilers. The power

of the plant was estimated at 50 Mwt to meet the

demands of the town. Both the town and commune

(known for intensive agricultural production) sit

outside the area of Miedwie Lake, which is the main

source of supply.

The heating plant uses 2 production and 2 injection

wells, each about 1700 m deep. Geothermal water is
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 29

pumped to the surface then flows to heat exchanges,

heat pumps and again down to the injection well where

it is injected into the same geological layer from which

it came. The flow rate found at 103 kg/s of 61oC water. 

Discharge of a single well is about 200 m3/h while

water temperatures found in bedrocks are 64oC;

injected water is 26oC. Geothermal water is aggressive

with high salt content and other minerals. The total

dissolved liquids (TDS) amounts to 120 g/l. 

The project assumes the development of a town heat

distribution network and construction of a heating

plant. Plans to build transit pipeline networks

connecting the plant with the heat distribution center

in town are underway.

Sleslin

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin-Lodz District outside Koto.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Stargard Szczecinski

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin-Lodz District outside of

Chociwel.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Uniejow
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 30

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin District south of Koto; 52o

latitude, 19o longitude.

STATUS

Direct use -- undeveloped

TEMPERATURE (°C) 70

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

1986 to 1991 - 3 geothermal wells drilled; analysis and

estimations made.

Fall 1998 - Flow tests and technical works on surface

equipment performed; bidding opened up to replace a

head in the well Uniejow PIG/AGH2. Replacement was

made in November 1998 and well is currently ready

for exploitation.

1999 - Construction of recreation center and heating

system began.

NOTES

Geothermal water was found in Lower Cretaceous

sandstones with temperatures of 70oC and water flow

rate of 90 m3/h. Composition made waters useful for

balneological and therapeutic purposes.

Wagrowiec

LOCATION

Located in the Szczecin District south of Czarnkow.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

FORE-CARPATHIAN PROVINCE

Slominki

LOCATION

Located in the Fore-Carpathian Province north of

Krakow.

STATUS
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 31

Direct use -- undeveloped

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20-23

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) 1.1 -2.2

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

One exploration well was drilled, Slomniki Well IG-1,

which had a temperature of 20oC at 200 m and 23oC at

600 m (Dogger). The well was abandoned.

Work is being continued by Geothermal Laboratory

MEERI PAS. 

Future plans include building a recreation center

heated by the geothermal resource.

CARPATHIAN PROVINCE

Banska- Bialy Dunajec

LOCATION

Located in the Podhale region, 10 km north of

Zakopane and about 90 km south of Krakow; in the

Carpathian Province; near 49o latitude, 20o longitude.

STATUS

Direct use - developed.

TEMPERATURE (°C) 80-100

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) 15

POTENTIAL (MWt) 15

CHRONOLOGY

1989 - Polish Experimental Geothermal Station

completed with installed capacity of 15 MWt; serves

about 220 customers.

The station uses 2 wells: Banska IG-1 for production,

and Bialy Dunajec PAN-1 for injection. The wells are

2500-3200 m deep and encountered temperatures of

86oC, pressure of about 2.5 mpa, and an artesian flow

rate of 150 l/s.

1998 - -New geothermal heat plant completed using 2

new wells: Bansak PGP-1 (2960 m) and Bialy Dunajec

PGP-2 (2450 m). The main pipeline was run to ink 

geothermal heat station with the district heat station in

Zakopane. The system serves another 7000 customers.

By 2001 - Geothermal heat and hot water will be

delivered to about 4200 individual houses and 170

large-scale receivers in the central part of Podhale. 
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 32

NOTES

Geotermia Podhalanska S.A. will extend the

geothermal system towards the town of Nowy Targ,

drill three new doublets, run a transmission pipeline

there, build a peak heat station and distribution

pipeline, and connect another 7000 customers.

(Bujoakowski, 1999)

The project resulted in major reduction of emissions

found in coal, gas and dust. Main sources of financing

include the National Fund for Environmental

Protection and Water Management, PHARE,

Ekofundusz, and Geotermia Podhalanska S.A. 

Iwonicz

LOCATION

Located in the Carpathian Province.

STATUS

Direct use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20-62

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

The Iwonicz Resort uses two wells for heating, and the

20oC brines produced by two wells for the extraction

of iodine-bromine which is used for medical and

cosmetic salts. 

Myslenice

LOCATION

Located in the Carpathian Province.

STATUS

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Sucha B

LOCATION

Located in the Carpathian Province.

STATUS
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 33

Preliminary Identification/report

TEMPERATURE (°C) —

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Ustron 

LOCATION

Located in the Carpathian Province near the border

with the Czech Republic.

STATUS

Direct use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20-62

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Geothermal springs and wells are used for spas.

Zakopane

LOCATION

Antalowka Hill in the Podhale region; in the

Carpathian Province.

STATUS

Direct use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 26.6-36

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) 20

POTENTIAL (MWt) 20

CHRONOLOGY

1963 - 1 exploration well drilled, Zakopane IG-1,

which encountered temperature of 36oC at 1540-1620

m; flow rate of 14l/s; TDS of 0.3 g/l.

1973 - Second well, Zakopane-2, drilled; well head

temperature of 26.6oC at 1113 m. Artesian flow of 22

l/s confirmed with average TDS at 0.3 g/l. Water

chemistry of HCO3-SO4-Ca-Mg.

1997 - Central peak load plant built.

1998 - The average production from Zakopane IG-1

totaled 11/s flow rates with a temperature of 34oC; and

from Zakopane-2, totaled 6.5 l/s flow rates with
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 34

temperatures of 24oC. 

1999 - Central peak load equipped with two water

boilers of 10 MWt capacity each, gas fired, with

economizers.

In the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 heating seasons, the

plant will work as a gas plant (until connected with the

geothermal system is Banska Nizna. It presently

serves 60 buildings and to date has replaced eight

large coal-based heating plants (Kepinska, 1999).

2000 to 2002 - Construction of a large, modern

balneological and recreational complex will begin to

replace existing swimming pool.

NOTES

The wells at Zakopane serve as a site for

comprehensive research carried out by the Institute of

Hydrogeology of Warsaw University. 

The bathing site is one of the main attractions in

Zakopane and is owned by the Polish Tatras S.A.

company.

The central peak load plant has 3 functions:

1) Peak heat source (after connection of the heating

system in Zakopane to the base load plant system in

Banska Nizna.

2) Basic heat source (1998-2000), until the

transmission pipeline form the geothermal base load

plant in Banska Nizna is complete.

3) Reserve heat source for consumers located between

Poronin pressure separation and Zakopane).

Poland also hopes to become the first former

communist country to host the 2006Olympics, set in

the Zakopane region, (Tatra mountains and Gubalowka

ridges) and is considered a very serious contender,

depending on the country’s ability to clean up its air

and water severely damaged from years of coal usage

and the country’s entry into the European Union. With

geothermal projects in progress, especially in

Zakopane, these hopes could be realized.

SUDETES-HOLYCROSS REGION

Cieplice

LOCATION

Located in the Western Sudetes Mountains in the

Sudetes-Holycross Region.
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 35

STATUS

Direct use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Two boreholes, Cieplice 1 and Cieplice 2, have been

drilled several hundred meters from the hot springs to

660 m and 750 m respectively. Artesian flow is

considerable with Cieplice 2 flowing at 50m3/h.

Thermal waters occur within fissured Karkonosze

granite. Faults running northwest-southeast and

northeast to southwest are the main zones of the

thermal water circulation.

Duszniki Zdroj

LOCATION

Located in the Sudetes Mountains in the

Sudetes-Holycross Region.

STATUS

Direct use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

The geothermal resource is used for spas. 

Duszniki Resort has an on-line installation for CO2

extraction discharged by a shallow well.

Ladek Zdroj

LOCATION

Located in the eastern part of the Sudetes Mountains,

450 m within the Biala Ladecka valley; in the

Sudetes-Holycross Region.

STATUS

Direct use - developed

TEMPERATURE (°C) 20-29

INSTALLED CAPACITY (MWt) —

POTENTIAL (MWt) —
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 36

CHRONOLOGY

NOTES

Two boreholes, Ladek 1 and Ladek 2, were drilled.

Ladek 2 (700 m) yielded spontaneous flow and,

although more than 600 m northeast of the hot springs,

caused a decrease in their flow. Results suggest that a

fault zone of southeast-northwest direction is the main

zone of thermal water circulation. TDS is very low. 

Thermal waters circulate in fissured Precambrian rocks

and flow out from several springs characterized by

constant yield and chemical composition of water.
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 37

Poland is facing an ever increasing demand for power in

the coming decades. In this past decade, further progress

has been made in the exploration and utilization of the

country’s rich and abundant low-enthalpy geothermal

resources. This progress will ultimately benefit Poland’s

goal to reduce heavy pollutants in the environment

generated by traditional heating systems.

To facilitate this, however, investment in the power

sector is needed and legislation specific to geothermal

resource development should be developed.

Conclusion
Geothermal Resources in Poland Report No. INEEL/EXT-99-01283 38

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