In connection with possibility of limiting costs of electricity, thermal energy and water consumption Katowice City Board decided to implement Stationary monitoring system in 5 chosen schools.

Objectives and target audience

The main aim of the project was to monitor electricity, thermal energy and water consumption in 5 chosen schools in Katowice. It was put forwards to managers of individual schools and to the unit managing water and energy media account settlements in most of schools – Education Units Service Group. The expected effect is to diagnose and lower quickly and cheaply basic inputs of electricity, thermal energy and water and correction of ordered power. The aim is to generate savings in the city budget.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

260 000 PLN (about 74 300 EUR) was assigned for the project which was fully financed by the City. The Education Department of the City Board with Education Units Service Group is responsible for organization and coordination.

Process

While preparing the project, City Board officers presented the system to the President of the City, with information on the possibility of the installation of water and energy media monitoring system. A pilot system was proposed to be installed in a few chosen schools owned by the City. The City President accepted the proposal and “Reus” Ltd. signed a contract with a City and created the system according to the plan.

Results

At the conference of Education Committee a representative of “Reus” Ltd. presented “An Overall Report on Media Monitoring System”. According to their assumptions, the firm representative estimated savings in the budget for the City in 2008-2009 would be 100 000 PLN (about 30 000 EUR) thanks to the introduction of the monitoring system. After the introduction of recommended steps concerning the limitation of energy and water, basic input and possible correction of ordered power, the monitoring system will be used as educational and a demonstration or in case of failures unnoticed by the building service. The system can be also used in constant control of basic energy media consumption in large buildings ( according to “Reus” Ltd. buildings in which media bills are higher than 200 000 PLN – about 57,000 EUR)

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

The key to success was to draw attention to necessity of monitoring energy and water media consumption in buildings owned by the Community and approval of Authorities concerning installation of the system. Considering the fact that after the building is diagnosed as far as water and energy consumption, the system is not useful anymore (in most cases) it is suggested that diagnoses of water and energy consumption monitoring be realised cheaper using portable monitoring systems with constant monitoring of invoices for media.

Within the scope of their day-to-day tasks, the employees of City Development Department have analysed the planned investment including thermal modernisation and indoor overhaul of the library along with use of the adjacent area. The analysis was made prior to preparing the technical specification. In order to confirm the pre-assumed conditions related to the undertaking, a brief analytical report on financing possibilities was issued.
Objectives and target audience
Any activities related to preparation of the investment “Building overhaul – City Public Library in Katowice, affiliate no. 14, 20 Piastow Street” aim to maximum use of external financial support available for this task. Additional preparation work is possible to make a proposal at the preliminary stage of design works, regarding a demonstration installation of a gravel ground heat exchanger (education related to utilisation of local renewable energy resources in a technically and economically feasible way).

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The analysis carried out has proven that taking into account the financing model presented in the report, the forecasted savings for the city budget will reach ca 100000 PLN at the pre-assumed budget for thermal modernization at the level of 400,000 PLN (ca 25% savings). The entire overhaul budget reaches 670000 PLN.
The described analysis was made by an employee of the Hall within his regular office work.

Process

During verification of the planned scope of works related to the overhaul investment, employees of the City Development Department separated this investment into two tasks. Upon this step the “Analysis of financing possibilities related to thermal modernisation of the City Public Library building…” The report points out a technical feasible and economical option of installing equipment to use renewable energy resources.
Upon analysis of the problem a conclusion was drawn that more than one half of the pre-assumed budget will be used for thermal modernisation of the building. This implies the possibility to submit to the local institution, i.e. the Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Katowice for a preference loan (up to 75% of qualified costs) with a possibility of partial mortgage (50% upon repayment of the first one half) and a partial grant (up to 50% of qualified costs) for manufacturing the equipment for use of renewable energy resource. The analysis presents potential savings as described above in the item 9.

Results

The Main result of a proper investment preparation and financial analysis is the definition of potential opportunities to acquire additional financing sources (in the form of preference loan with partial mortgage) for the investment (thermal modernisation of the object).
Additional argument that supports the idea of a full-scope modernisation is the opportunity to build a demonstration installation of a gravel ground heat exchanger (local education related to use of renewable energy resources in a feasible way) along with acquiring partial financing as a grant for this investment.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

The success of the project related to use of external co-financing for investment to show the decision makers that there was a possibility to submit for external financial resources already at the stage of preparing the technical specification for the technical design. Correct preparation of such documentation guarantees all documents required by individual institutions that grant the co-financing.

ISD launched a public debate (on national level) with regards to the objectives of energy policy and it’s role as instrument of climate policy.  The goals are to show possible integration of the energy and climate policy, and to promote renewable energy strategies and energy efficiency.  Good practice of energy planning on the local level are the tools for implementation of the Alternative Energy Policy for Poland until 2030.
Objectives and target audience
Objectives:-

• To influence the decision makers to create sustainable goals and solutions for the energy policy;
• To create a public debate on energy future for Poland;
• To eliminate the barriers impeding progressive climate policy through creating an alternative policy of energy sector;
• To promote renewable energy strategies and energy efficiency;

Public consultation involved: representatives of NGOs, public administration, industry, energy sector and trade unions; The project is mostly addressed to policymakers, lawmakers, public officials, professionals and journalists;

Financial Resources and Partners involved

Total budget: 396,29 thousand PLN
National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management/ Poland
OAK Foundation/Europe
Heinrich Boell Foundation/Poland

Process

The identification of dilemmas for the energy policy in their priority order for representatives of NGOs, public administration, industry, energy sector and trade unions;
The preparation of policy options integrating the dilemmas identified in seminars;
The conference (including press briefings) addressed to the policy makers. Presentation of the draft scenarios of the energy policy options in the context of the EU climate policy;
The preparation of a preliminary draft of the energy policy, including an analysis of  the major problems and specifying: (i) objectives of the alternative policy, (ii) principles to be followed in its implementation, (iii) course of action, (iv) framework proposal for instruments for its implementation;
A debate with invited experts on the proposed version of energy policy.  The aim is to obtain the experts’ opinions on the quality of the proposed document and the conditions which should be met to ensure that the proposed document is likely to be implemented;
The preparation a of document which integrates the remarks and comments from debate;
Public consultations of the prepared document with all the stakeholders who took part in the earlier work and the organization of four open regional meetings together with the members of the Climate Coalition (network of NGO’s in Poland) to increase public awareness on the proposed alternative energy policy;
The preparation of a final version of the document describing the alternative energy policy in three versions of the publication:  technical report,  document for politicians and  brochure for  public.  The preparation of material for the press.  Printing  publications.  The document for politicians will be translated into English and Russian.
The summing-up conference, along with a press conference, on the possibility and necessity of changing the Polish energy policy and implementing active climate policy. The conference will bring together professionals, policymakers, lawmakers and public officials.
Shipment of publications.

Results

The basic product will be a document presenting the alternative Polish energy policy in three editions:  technical report,  document for politicians and  brochure for  public. These papers will be published and placed on website.
The direct involvement of a group of approximately 750 individuals in the process of developing alternative energy policy through their participation in meetings and consultations.  Moreover, the visitors of the website of the Institute (10.000 persons in a year) will be indirectly involved.
Creation of the informal network, an exchange of the opinions and mutual understanding of the positions of different stakeholders participating in the process (NGOs, local/regional governments, industry, administration).
Creation the basis to build a partnership/critical mass for changing the existing energy policy, which is environmentally unsound and does not take into account the needs of climate protection.
The increased public awareness of the significance of the energy policy for climate protection.
As a result of these actions, in long term, Poland’s dependence on the coal-based energy sector and its GHG emissions should be reduced.  This should allow for increased involvement Poland’s involvement in the European and international climate protection actions.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

The Conference of Parties of Climate Convention that will take place in Poland during December 2008 as well as UE Energy Package dissuasion create a good atmosphere for the project evaluation.  There is much public interest with regards to energy and climate aspects.
There is a need of public debate on energy scenarios.
Setting up the ambitious goals for integration of the climate and energy policy on a national level, and will this influence the regional and local policies.
The most important opportunity to utilise the results of the project making the EU Fund during the period of 2007 – 2013 more climate friendly. It will bring an increase of energy efficiency as well as avoidance of future GHG emission.
The project can be successfully transferred to other countries, spatially New member States of EU as well as candidates countries or some Newly Independent States such as Ukraine.

Modernization of the district heating system in Plonsk was based on the replacement of the coal boiler to the biomass version, establishment  of the cogeneration system, as well as the thermo-modernization of the existing heat distribution system.

Objectives and target audience

The main aim of the project was to reduce the emission of GHG, as well as other pollutants i.e.: particular matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, etc.  However, it was also important to limit the energy losses from the generation and distribution processes.  Bearing in mind economical and environmental aspects, the cogeneration system (with the biomass boiler) was implemented.  The production of “green” heat and electricity was one of the most important project objectives.
Other objectives: Increase of energy renewable sources, increase density of the combustion process, decrease of the energy losses in the distribution system; implementation of BAT, etc.
Target groups: Energy Utility,  the citizens of Płońsk, farmers on the region;

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The total cost of the project was c.a. 33,7 million PLN.
Credit from National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management covered more then  53% (18, 8 mln PLN).  Polish EcoFund  donate 11,3 mln PLN (33%) for the project, and The City Hall of Płońsk – 1,8 mln PLN The PEC contribution was  4,6 mln PLN.
Process

• Modernization of a central source of heat:
• Replacement of the coal boilers (3x OR-16) with a new biomass boiler (VSP=10,5)  of 10,2 MW power;
• Established of the cogeneration system with the steam turbine of 2,1 MWe power;
• Setting up the monitoring and control system;
• The  purification of waste gases  system establishment;
• Modernization and adaptation of the existing coal boiler (WRM-15) to biomass co-combustion (up to 20%);
• Modernization of heating system:
• Exchange of 800 meters of the traditional pipe system for a the pre-insulated version;
• Modernization and exchange of heat centers (15 singe- and 14 multifunctional);
• Thermo-modernization of buildings owned by enterprise.

The project ended up with a decrease of the total power of the system from 50MW to 37,1 MW.  The modernization works will ensure that the amount of heat produced is enough to supply the heat demand for the city of Płońsk.

Results

The new cogeneration system will generate 67% of the total heat demand for the city.
11,000  MWe of energy has been produced from the renewable source, biomass.
An emission reduction is due to an  increase in density of the combustion process and a change of the energy source and thermo-modernisation works-:
The CO2 avoided emission is estimated for 35,000 Mg/year
The emission of particular matters will decrease for c.a. 76,7% (151, 11 Mg/year); nitrogen     oxide for c.a. 63,3 % (53,81 Mg/year); sulfur dioxide for c.a. 63,8 % (144 Mg/year);     benzo[a]pyrene will decrease for c.a. 98,6% (0,14 Mg/year), soot will decrease for c.a.     76,5% (4,81 Mg/year);
The coal consumption will decrease by c.a. 70% (10 thousand Mg/year);
Secondary dust explosions from the coal storage container will be limited;
Noise emission reduction in the boiler room;
A decrease of the solid waste (slag and ash) produced by c.a. 51%;
Demand for the biomass in the region will increase.  To supply cogeneration system, an amount of 25 Mg of biomass will be needed annually.  According to the PEC estimations the demand will create approximately 50 – 70 new job opportunities (in the agriculture and service sectors).

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

There is common practice in Poland with regards to the co-combustion of biomass and coal as it is one of the only solutions for increasing renewable energy use (There is a mandatory obligation by the energy utilities to produce an required amount of energy from renewable energy sources).  The project of “Modernization of the district heating system in Plonsk” is the first, which focuses on the renewable energy use in a more sustainable and efficient way.  This practice could be easily transferred to another municipalities.
The critical success factors were:-
Good recognition of economical and environmental advantages of the project;
Determination of the Local Energy Utility Management;
Fundraising opportunities : EcoFund, from National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

The aim of the project was to design, install and monitor a grid-connected and building integrated photovoltaic system.  The test facility is expected to evaluate and disseminate photovoltaic technologies.

Objectives and target audience

Objectives of the project:-

• To perform first-class research into solar photovoltaics;
• To promote photovoltaic and renewable energies;
• To promote BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics);
• To evaluate and disseminate photovoltaic technologies;
• To contribute to the EU commitments included in the Directive on RES and the Kyoto protocol;
• (To decrease the CO2 emission; To increase RES).

The target groups in which this project is aimed at are:-

• Decision makers on governmental and local level;
• Researchers community;
• Architects and builders;
• Students;
• Media;
• General public.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The project was financed by European Funds (5th FP) as well as from the Polish Foundation “EkoFundusz”, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Municipality of Warsaw and the Warsaw University of Technology.  The project was prepared by The Centre of Photovoltaics at Warsaw University of Technology.
The total cost of the project was c.a. 2 500 0000 EUR.
The costs of the photovoltaic installation were 8 500 EUR for 1kW -without monitoring systems / 9500 EUR per 1 kW -with the monitoring system.

Process

Project design;
Building communication  for the project implementation;
1st phase: Installation  of photovoltaic modules on the roof and part of the building fascade;
2nd phase: Installation  of photovoltaic modules on the building fascade;
Establishment of the outdoor and indoor test facility;
Promotion of the project;

Results

• The photovoltaic installation of the 708 photovoltaic modules with a total power of 56 kW has been introduced;
• The annual green energy generation from the photovoltaic system is estimated to be 38,000 kWh;
• The avoided CO2 emission has been estimated at 822 000 kg CO2 in 30 years
• The system is the first and the largest BIPV system in Poland.
• The outdoor and indoor test facility has been established;
• Increase interest in photovoltaic systems within research and student communities;
• The energy use for the photovoltaic system production and installation, will be return after 5,5 years;

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

The key success factors:-

• The leading role of The Centre of Photovoltaics at Warsaw University of Technology; An excellent communications plan and an excellent understanding of the project;
• Good understanding and personal commitment of the Polish Foundation “EkoFundusz” President.
• Funding opportunities for the RES projects;
• Additional value of the project- the education and demonstration role.
• The project could be successfully implemented in other places: public service buildings (schools, administration buildings, libraries), private house, etc.  There has been significant interest in photovoltaic systems from the business sector.

Following Silesia Museum plans, near to the shaft mining „Bartosz II”, new infrastructure is going to be built. From the mine shaft, the water is constantly pumped up to protect the working mines against drowning.  The project was supposed to asses the possible heat recuperation from the mine water, and its usage in the new museums buildings.

Objectives and target audience

The aim of the project was to asses the possible heat recuperation from the mine water, and its further usage in the new museums buildings. It was important to compare different technologies, and suggest the most efficient and most sustainable one. The assessment was expected to bring the answer, along with how to design the heating installations in the new buildings.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The assessment was financed by the city of Katowice., who defined the assumption for the analysis.  The Marshal of the Silesia Voivodeship is in charge of the final decision on heat installation in the new building.

Process

In September 2007 the Science and Research Institute (The Central Mining Institute),  introduced the assessment of the possibile heat recuperation from the water in the Katowice mine. The optimal solution has been suggested;
The final decision on the heat installation hasn’t been made yet.

Results

“Assessment of the possibile heat recuperation ….”  Was based on the multicriteria analysis. There were 5 alternatives taken into consideration: compression heat pumps
absorption heat pumps, compression heat pumps + CHP, heating station, gas boiler installation. The author of the assessment shows the investment costs, the cost of the energy production, and the environmental impact of each alternative. The alternative of compression heat pumps supported by CHP is the optimal solution because of technical, economical and environmental criteria.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

Success criteria of the project:-

• The analysis show the possibility for heat recuperation from the mine water;
• Heat recuperation projects can get the financial support form various sources
• (eg. European funds). Without the financial support the project is economically unjustified.
• Multicriteraia analysis based on the technical, economical, environmental and social aspects is a good practice and the first step of any investment.

The aim of the project was to introduce the local strategy act, aim for sustainable energy, heat and gas management. “Assumption for the plan for heat supply, electric energy supply and gas fuel supply for the city of Częstochowa” defines the goals, provides data on current situations and predictions in terms of the energy supply for the region.

Objectives and target audience

The objectives for the project:-

• To obey the Polish Energy Law requirements on the local energy plans;
• To improve and increase the efficiency of the energy planning in the region;
• To strategise the current and future cooperation with energy companies, energy suppliers in the region;
• To introduce the goals for local energy planning
• To increase share of RES and co-generation of heat and power;
• To ensure energy safety and energy supply for the future.

Financial resources and partners involved

Municipality of Częstochowa funds. Total cost: 59 780, 00 PLN.
The document was prepared by: Energoekspert Sp.z o.o. from Katowice city;

Process

The tasks undertaken as part of the project:-

• Data mining – collecting data on current system of energy , heat, water, supply for the city (energy, heat and gas usage, share of renewable energies);
• Long-term assessment on the energy safety and energy supply;
• Consultation with energy experts and energy companies and energy suppliers  – recognition of the possible challenges and obstacles in terms of energy system development and modernisation;
• Preparation and introduction of the document by  Energoekspert Sp.z o.o. There was team of experts (9 people) from the City Hall involved in the project preparation;
• Consultation of the project with the city Sustainable Energy Development Council;
• Public consultation of the project;
• The project document has been approved and has passed a law on 3 Dec. 2007.

Results

The key results of the project are:-

• The document of local energy planning has been prepared, approved and passed a law on 3 Dec. 2007;
• According to the local energy plan, new investments have been set up; The “Forum Czestochowa S.A”, decided to build the new boiler with heat and electricity production (the co-generation  system).  The installation will be ready at the end of 2009;
• According to the strategy, energy management was introduced in the public service buildings;
• The energy and environment project was introduced in the city of Czestochowa;
• Good cooperation with the energy suppliers (in terms of the infrastructure modernisation) and energy companies.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

Critical Success Factors:-

• Good cooperation between all stakeholders (local authorities, energy companies, consultancy company, energy experts, etc.)  in the process of“Assumption …” preparation;
• Motivation and active attendance in the project in the city of Czestochowa (Sustainable Energy Development Council, expert team, Urban Engineering Bureau, etc)
• Brought consultation to the project;
• Good defined goals and boundary conditions;
• Project can be successfully implemented into other cities.

In 2003 the Urban Engineering Bureau in the city of Częstochowa was established to take a lead on sustainable energy policy implementation in the region. It was supposed to promote and develop the solution for the rational energy use, especially in the public service buildings owned by the municipality of Częstochowa.

Objectives and target audience

The main objective of the project was to create a more sustainable energy management system in the region of Częstochowa. One of the key success criteria was to decrease energy, heat and water consumption in the public service buildings, owned by the municipality.
It was important to involve administrators of the buildings, as well as employees in the project. Local organisations and associations were also involved. The Urban Engineering Bureau is a support body for energy policy goals implementation, information and promotion of the sustainable energy solution.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

City of Częstochowa funds (4 new employee);

Process

Main tasks undertaken as a part of the project:-

• Setting up the monitoring system in the public service buildings;
• Coordination of the data monitoring (collecting data, reporting, etc.)
• Support of  the city Council on Sustainable Development work;
• Promotion of energy use at schools and in the public service buildings,
• Detailed assessment of the project results in the public service buildings;
• Every year the bureau is preparing detailed reports for the city of Częstochowa – summary of activates and its effects.

Results

Key results of the Urban Engineering Bureau in the period of 2003-2007:-

• Total energy consumption has decreased by c.a. 61 400 GJ (23,44%);
• Total expenses for the energy has decreased by c.a. 1 635 thousand PLN (13,81%) – Increase of the cost of the energy was taken into consideration;
• Total CO2 emission decreased by more then 7400 ton (23%);
• Total cost for water and waste water disposal decreased by c.a. 244 thousand PLN (23%)- Increase of the costs of the water/waste water disposal were taken into consideration;
• Total water usage decreased by c.a 68 200 m3 (34%);

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

Critical Success Factors:-

• Integrated economical goals and environmental goals;
• Good cooperation, understanding and support of the region authorities;
• Location of the body. Urban Engineering Bureau, as a official part of the city administration has real influence on decision makers;
• Defined goals and target groups of the project;
• Good cooperation with the media suppliers company as well as building administration;

The project is focused on real-time monitoring of media (energy, heat and water) usage and its costs in public service’s buildings in the city of Częstochowa.

Objectives and target audience

The main aim of the project was to optimise costs and media usage in the buildings. It was important to asses the existing situation in terms of media consumption in the buildings, as well as to identify the potential energy, heat and water losses (irregularities, failures in the system, etc.). The assessment is supposed to be the first step to strategies further activity and investments in the public service buildings. Additionally, there is an education and information role of the project.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

Monitoring system – town hall buildings – city of Częstochowa funds (4 new employees)
Monitoring system – School’s buildings – city of Częstochowa funds (4 new employees),
Grant from the Programme “Rising environmental awareness, strengthening the NGOs role for the building the monitoring systems” (Transition Funds Programme 2004, FEWE)

Process

The tasks which were undertaken as part of the project where:-

• Data mining – basic information about the buildings, energy sources (What kind of energy source? Where is it coming form?), what is the energy consumption?;
• Building the data base – energy, heat and water consumption, cost of the media use;
• Building the monitoring system – building infrastructure, installation of technical equipment for real time measurement of energy, heat and water usage; building the digital system of the data management.

Results

Monitoring is giving the opportunity for constant optimisation of the of media use and its costs. Real –time measurements help to identify failures in the system, and immediate action and reparation. Monitoring reports and statistical comparisons give the opportunity for more efficient and cheaper media use (for example: decreasing the energy consumption in peak hours, etc.). Additionally monitoring reports are used to verify the energy consumption invoice.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

New solution for the energy (media) use management in public service buildings;
Real time monitoring is tool which can be use in all buildings (offices, industrial, etc.)
The universal tool for cost optimisation as well as rationalisation of the media use.