National Contact Point for Renewable Energy Sources

After completing the indicated steps and obtaining the required permits described on the subpage concerning the recognition of geological and hydrogeological conditions at the investment site, the investor may proceed with the implementation of the project.

Obtaining a Decision on Environmental Conditions (environmental decision) is the first decision acquired as part of the investment process for water-source heat pumps.

The investment related to a water-source heat pump must be implemented based on a planning act. The type of planning act depends primarily on the area where the system will be located and its function.

First, the investor should verify whether the land intended for the system is covered by a Local Spatial Development Plan (MPZP).

If the area where the water-source heat pump is to be located is not covered by an MPZP, the investor should review the municipality’s general plan. According to Article 7 of the Geological and Mining Law, in the absence of an MPZP, undertaking and performing activities specified by the Act is permissible only if it does not violate the land-use method established in the municipality’s general plan.

If the investor determines that the planned project complies with the municipality’s general plan, depending on the purpose of the investment, they should apply for a Decision on the Location of a Public Purpose Investment or a Decision on Land Development Conditions.

According to current regulations, geological works involving geological operations may only be carried out based on an approved Geological Works Project.

According to the provisions of the Water Law and its implementing regulations, if thermal water from trial pumping of the borehole is discharged into a watercourse or surface water body, it is necessary to submit a Water Law Notification.

It is also permissible to introduce used thermal water into groundwater, provided that the competent authority for water law permits determines that such discharge does not conflict with environmental objectives for water or water quality requirements (Article 76(1)(5) of the Water Law). It should be noted that fees for discharging hot water are relatively high, and the introduction of used thermal water, as mentioned above, reduces the efficiency of the system.

Before starting geological works, it is required to submit a Notification of Intent to Commence Geological Works.

Hydrogeological documentation is subject to approval.

In terms of formal requirements, the approval of hydrogeological documentation should correspond to the approval of geological documentation described above.

Hydrogeological documentation is approved by decision of the competent geological administration authority (the competent Marshal of the Voivodeship who approved the geological works project).

Other geological documentation prepared in connection with geological works that do not end with documenting mineral deposit resources or groundwater resources does not require approval by decision (Article 93(7) of the Geological and Mining Law in connection with Article 88(2)(4) and Article 92 of the same Act).

The documentation must be submitted in one paper copy and three electronic copies on data carriers within six months from the completion of works to the competent authority that approved the geological works project.

Documented mineral deposits and documented groundwater within the boundaries of planned protective zones for intakes and protective areas of groundwater reservoirs must be disclosed in municipal spatial development studies, Local Spatial Development Plans (MPZP), and regional spatial development plans (Article 95(1) of the Geological and Mining Law).

Before applying for a Permit under the Water Legislation, the investor should obtain an assessment under the water legislation. A water law assessment is required for investments or activities that may affect the achievement of environmental objectives. Due to the specific nature of the technology, a water-source heat pump may constitute an investment that could affect the achievement of environmental objectives. Since water-source heat pumps are considered projects that may significantly impact the environment, the water law assessment is replaced by the environmental decision. Therefore, under the current legal framework, there is no need to obtain a separate assessment under the water legislation for the investment.

Heat pumps are systems that produce heat, which can generate revenue for the investor. However, the possibility of supplying heat to consumers requires prior connection of the system to the heating grid.