District Energy – Poland

Transformation, Investments and Market Opportunities

Background
Poland has one of Europe's largest district heating sectors, supplying heat to approximately 15 million citizens through more than 25,000 km of district heating networks.

The sector is currently undergoing a profound transformation driven by ambitious climate targets, rising carbon costs, energy security considerations and the need to modernise its district energy infrastructure. 

District heating companies across Poland are developing long-term strategic investment plans to decarbonise their systems by integrating renewable energy sources, large-scale heat pumps, heat storage, waste heat recovery, electrification technologies and modern CHP solutions. However, the transition is not only a technology challenge. Success depends on strategic planning, financing, regulatory frameworks and stronger cooperation between municipalities and district heating utilities. 

At the same time, Poland represents one of the most significant market opportunities for Danish district energy expertise. Polish utilities actively seek proven solutions and practical experience from Denmark, particularly regarding strategic planning, system integration, sector coupling and participation of district heating assets in electricity markets. 

The workshop will provide participants with an overview of current developments in the Polish district heating sector, insights from ongoing Danish-Polish collaboration projects and practical perspectives from companies working directly with Polish district heating utilities.

Programme

The future of district heating in Poland – sector development, investment priorities and key challenges

• Jacek Kalina, Professor, Silesian University of Technology

Strategic cooperation between Denmark and Poland – supporting the green transition of district heating

• Lars Gullev, District Heating Expert, Gullev DH Advisory
• Anders Laier Rasmussen, Energy Attaché, Danish Embassy in Poland
  Presentation of ongoing market development initiatives, including strategic planning support for Polish district heating companies and municipalities.

Working with Polish district heating utilities – opportunities, expectations and market realities

• Mateusz Orszulik, Technologist, Ferox Energy Systems
  Practical insights from cooperation with Polish district heating companies, including current investment priorities, technology needs and lessons learned from project implementation.

Discussion and knowledge-sharing session
Moderator

• Lesia Logvynenko, Project Coordinator, DBDH