PGE plans giant artificial lake on former Bełchatów lignite mine

Polish energy group PGE GiEK intends to transform the former Bełchatów open‑pit lignite mine, one of Europe’s largest, into a deep artificial lake dubbed the “Bełchatów Mazury”. The lake is projected to reach about 170 m in depth—approximately 70 m deeper than Poland’s deepest natural lake—and cover the former mining area of up to 8.5 km by 3.2 km. Planned amenities include a large beach, a marina for yachts, diving attractions such as a sunken excavator, and surrounding leisure facilities. The transformation will begin after coal extraction ceases, with the first mine slated to close in 2026 and the second by 2038, followed by gradual back‑filling with groundwater and surface water. PGE emphasizes that the development will create thousands of jobs and counteract potential unemployment after the mine’s shutdown. The project is also linked to proposals for a nearby nuclear power plant as part of Poland’s energy transition plan.