Source of the article: Regional Policy website, European Commission

A new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant at the Gdańsk East Sewage Treatment Plant is allowing the facility to generate over 2 800 MW of renewable energy – enough to cover the heat and running costs of the installation and even generate a profit by selling surplus power back onto the industrial power network.

Biogas is produced naturally through the fermentation of sewage sludge during processing. Previously, the plant had to burn this gas unproductively in a flare. Now, instead all gas is recovered and used to generate renewable energy, making the facility energy efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.

Sustainable Environmental Benefit

This process is a technical innovation in the region and has led to a significant improvement in the local air quality. The technology used in the construction of the CHP plant was chosen because it is both cost-effective and sustainable. Built with the future in mind, the new plant not only meets current European environmental protection regulations, but is also designed to take into account a toughening of regulations related to the emission of nitrogen oxides.

Bringing Renewable Energy to the Classroom

The project has also been used as a catalyst to support renewable energy education in the area. Together with the Department of Environment of the Municipal Council in Gdańsk, educational classes related to renewable sources of energy were held in ten secondary schools in the area, and a guidebook on the advantages of renewable energy was created. Moreover, a contest – "Focus on renewable sources of energy" – was also held in 2012, with winners creating professional TV adverts promoting the use of renewable energy. These adverts continue to be used in renewable energy education in the region today.

Total Investment and EU Funding

Total investment for the project “Biogas – Green Energy” is € 5 561 843, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributed €1 599 339 for the 2007 to 2013 programming period, under the Regional Operational Programme “Pomerania”.