heating. Across all scenarios, compliance with EED thresholds is achieved at each milestone year, ensuring the long-term regulatory viability of the Radzionków system. It is possible to carry out a green transition of district heating production in the Radzionków system, but not without challenges, as each of the scenarios has its own challenges: If the existing coal boilers are converted to biomass, the future heating price will be heavily exposed to the price development of biomass, which may become a scarce resource. If the focus is on establishing gas-fired CHP units to generate income by selling electricity to the grid - sector coupling or system integration between district heating and electricity systems - it is a challenge that there is currently no possibility of connection to the gas grid at the Radzionków heating plant. Could the situation be different if it were possible to place gas-fired CHP units decentralized in the distribution network? Utilisation of excess heat from the sewage plant by using a heat pump is a future-proof solution - here, the design of the contract between the heat supplier and the district heating company is important, as there may be significant upfront investments for the district heating company with the connection of the heat source. Gas-fired CHP units are the strongest economic driver, generating additional revenue that significantly offsets heat production costs. But gas is not green – but greener than coal, and the CHP units will only run for the next 15 years.
when it comes to enabling decoupling the connection between current production and current consumption (thermal storage)
The recommendation for the Roadmap (see Text Box) – a combination of the four different scenarios to minimise the
Recommended Roadmap Year Action 2026
Conversion of three coal-fired boilers starts – end before 2029. Start contract negotiations with the sewage plant to purchase surplus heat; complete by 2027. Dimension DH pipeline (6 MWt) from the sewage plant to the existing DH network. Clarify whether it is possible to establish up to 2*1.2 MWt gas-fired CHP units at the Radzionków heating plant or decentralise them in the supply area. Clarify the size and location of a smaller steel storage tank (5-10,000 m3) to increase the flexibility of CHP units, heat
2027
2028
pumps, and electric boilers (System integration with the power system). 2028- Dimensioning of heat pump (4 MWt), 2029 tender and construction.
If gas-fired CHP units (one or two 1.2 MWt units) are a solution, go for tender and construction. If gas is not a solution, start preparing for 2*2 MW electric boilers at the Radzionków heating plant.
Gas-fired back-up boilers are cheap to install – if gas is available
2029
Tender for storage tank.
Thermal energy storage enhances system efficiency, but PTES alone does not generate sufficient value unless combined with flexible heat sources and supported by subsidies. Electric boilers have limited impact on average heat cost but represent a low-risk option for capturing future revenues from grid balancing and ancillary services. A district heating system that wants to be agile in the future - and the future starts tomorrow - must be characterized by one word: Flexibility when it comes to choice of “fuel” (biomass, gas, electricity, excess heat) when it comes to system integration with the power system. Must be able to use electricity (kWh and kW) to produce district heating when the electricity market price is low, and sell electricity (kWh and kW) to the grid when the market price is high (gas-fired CHP engine, heat pumps, electric boilers).
2030
Heat pump 4 MWt and 3 coal-fired boilers converted to wood pellets in operation. Gas-fired CHP units (2*1.2 MW) in operation – if possible. If not possible, 2*2 MW electric boilers. Storage tank in operation.
2033- Dimensioning of additional heat 2034
pump (2 MWt), tender and construction.
2035 2036 2040
Heat pumps (total of 6 MWt) in operation.
PTES (67,000 m3) going into operation.
Increase the amount of burnt pellets to reach a 75% share of renewable heat (meeting EED requirements). Peak-load natural gas boilers (2*2.7 MW) if gas is available. Increased amount of burnt pellets to reach 100% share of renewable heat (meeting EED requirements).
2050
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