The starting point for the discussion were the activities of the Ministry of Environment, aimed at improving the quality of air across the entire country. It is worth noting that the Minister of Environment carries out activities in cooperation with the entire government within the scope of the comprehensive Clean Air Programme. It is aimed not only at tackling the need of replacing heating systems in single-family houses, but also at a deep thermal modernisation and education in this area.

District heating

The participants of the debate pointed out that given the urgent need to improve air quality in Poland, the most justifiable solution seems to be connecting individual consumers currently using solid fuels for heating to district heating and gas systems.

The development of district heating will enable connecting a larger number of consumers, which will contribute to the reduction of emissions from the household sector, said Vice-Minister Sławomir Mazurek.

The Ministry of Environment is working on appropriate technical, legal and financial mechanisms which will allow for the development and modernisation of heat distribution networks.

Municipal companies can already apply for co-financing of activities aimed at improving air quality within the NFOŚiGW programmes, such as Energia Plus and Ciepłownictwo Powiatowe pilot programme, said Vice-Minister Mazurek.

The Energia Plus and Ciepłownictwo Powiatowe pilot programme envision funding for projects aimed at, among other things, reducing harmful emissions to the atmosphere. They are expected to be implemented in 2019-2025.