Poland's district heating sector faces 2035 efficiency challenges

The Polish district heating sector faces significant challenges regarding the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), which mandates specific efficiency criteria by 2035. Failure to meet these requirements could restrict access to support mechanisms and complicate decarbonization efforts.

During the Energy Days conference, industry experts discussed the necessity of a successful heating transformation for the broader energy system. Key topics included the role of gas and cogeneration in stabilizing the system. Representatives from PGE proposed extending the recognition of high-efficiency gas cogeneration as an effective system component beyond 2040 to protect existing investments.

Industry participants also highlighted concerns regarding the high costs and limited availability of decarbonized gases. While companies like Tauron Ciepło are focusing on gas cogeneration and aiming for a 35% share of renewable energy sources by 2035, others emphasized the need for regulatory flexibility and increased financial support to encourage private investment.