Heating the Future: How Poland is Transitioning to Renewable Heat Energy

In Brief

The research analyzes two scenarios for increasing renewable energy in Poland's district heating—centralized biomass and heat pump systems versus decentralized solar and geothermal sources—concluding that centralized heating is currently more cost-effective while both significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

In Depth

Heating is a fundamental necessity, especially in colder regions like Central and Eastern Europe. But with the growing need for sustainability, the way we generate heat must evolve. In Poland, most heating has traditionally relied on fossil fuels, particularly coal. However, a recent study explores how Poland can transition to renewable heat energy in a cost-effective and efficient way. This blog post breaks down the key findings, exploring two major scenarios for increasing the share of renewable energy in district heating.

Why Does Heating Need to Go Green?

Heating systems in Poland and many parts of Europe are still largely dependent on fossil fuels, leading to significant carbon emissions and environmental damage. With increasing climate concerns and stricter European Union regulations, there is an urgent push to switch to renewable energy sources like biomass, heat pumps, and solar thermal solutions. But how can this transition happen effectively?

Two Scenarios for a Greener Future

The research presents two possible approaches to making district heating more sustainable:

• Centralized Renewable Heating – Keeping large centralized heating plants but increasing their reliance on renewables.
• Distributed Heating Systems – Smaller, decentralized renewable energy sources spread across the city.

Let’s explore both scenarios in detail!

Centralized Renewable Heating

This scenario maintains large, central heating plants but shifts their energy sources from coal to renewable alternatives. The key technologies used in this model include:

• Biomass Boilers – Using wood-based biomass as a cleaner alternative to coal.
• High-Temperature Heat Pumps – These pumps extract heat from sources like wastewater or underground reservoirs.
• Peak Load Coal Boilers – Coal is still used but only for peak demand periods in extreme winter conditions.

Pros:

• Uses existing infrastructure, reducing transition costs.
• More controlled and manageable energy production.
• Easier to regulate and maintain.

Cons:

• Biomass use raises concerns about deforestation and air pollution.
• Still relies partially on fossil fuels.

Distributed Heating Systems

In this scenario, multiple small renewable energy sources replace large centralized plants. Some of the key technologies include:

• Solar Panels – Capturing sunlight to generate electricity for heating.
• Micro Wind Turbines – Generating power from wind at a local level.
• Ground Source Heat Pumps – Using geothermal energy to provide heating.
• Local Heat Storage Systems – Storing excess heat for later use.

Pros:

• Lower transmission losses since energy is generated close to where it is used.
• More flexibility in energy production and storage.
• Maximizes the use of different renewable energy sources.

Cons:

• High initial investment costs.
• Requires space for multiple small-scale installations.
• Coordination of multiple systems can be complex.

Economic Analysis: Which Scenario Wins?

When comparing the costs of both scenarios, the research found that centralized heating is currently the more cost-effective option. The Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) for centralized heating was 74.66 EUR/MWh, while distributed heating was significantly more expensive at 308.7 EUR/MWh.

Why is centralized heating cheaper?

• It utilizes existing infrastructure, meaning fewer new investments are needed.
• Large-scale biomass and heat pump systems are more economically efficient than multiple small units.
• Distributed systems require expensive storage solutions and complex management.

The Environmental Impact

Switching to renewable heating has major environmental benefits, with both scenarios reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional coal-based systems:

• Centralized heating reduces CO2 emissions by 85 kg per GJ of heat produced.
• Distributed heating cuts emissions by 92.4 kg per GJ, making it slightly greener.

However, the study highlights that simply switching to biomass isn’t a perfect solution. Over-reliance on biomass can lead to deforestation and increased air pollution, so a mix of renewables is ideal.

The Road to 2050: What’s Next?

By 2050, the European Union requires district heating systems to run entirely on renewable energy. To meet this goal, Poland must:

1. Invest in heat pump technology to reduce dependency on biomass.
2. Enhance energy storage solutions to balance renewable energy supply.
3. Upgrade building insulation to lower overall heat demand.
4. Implement smart grid technology for better energy management.
5. Encourage public-private partnerships to fund renewable projects.

The Future is Renewable!

Transitioning to renewable heating is not just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic and regulatory requirement. While centralized heating remains the more cost-effective approach today, distributed heating solutions could become more viable with future advancements in technology and cost reductions.

In Terms

District Heating – A system that delivers heat to multiple buildings from a central source, usually through underground pipes. Think of it as a giant radiator for an entire city!

Biomass Boiler – A heating system that burns organic materials like wood pellets or agricultural waste to produce heat. It’s like a fireplace but on a much larger scale!

Heat Pump – A device that transfers heat from the ground, air, or water to provide heating. It works like an air conditioner in reverse, extracting warmth from the environment!

Photovoltaic (PV) Panels – Solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. These are the same shiny panels you see on rooftops!

Energy Storage – Systems that store excess energy (like heat or electricity) for later use. Imagine it as a giant battery that helps keep the heat flowing when the sun isn’t shining!

Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) – A metric that calculates the average cost of producing heat over a system’s lifetime, helping compare different heating options fairly. Think of it as price-per-unit for long-term heating!

CO₂ Emissions – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the air from burning fuels. Lower emissions mean a cleaner, greener planet! - This concept has also been explored in the article "Driving Down Emissions: Unpacking the Synergistic Benefits in China's Transportation Sector".

Source

Krawczyk, P.; Badyda, K.; Dzido, A. Techno-Economic Analysis of Increasing the Share of Renewable Energy Sources in Heat Generation Using the Example of a Medium-Sized City in Poland. Energies 2025, 18, 884. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040884

From: Warsaw University of Technology.