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Large-Scale Systems Using Bio-Liquids (with a Capacity Above 1 MW)

Steps in the investment process for implementing this system

The investment process for large-scale systems using bio-liquids is the same as for small systems and includes, among others, obtaining environmental permits and the requirement to be entered in the register of producers conducting business activity in the field of bio-liquids.

Step 1 – Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions

Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions (environmental decision), in most cases, constitutes the first stage in the investment and construction process for a RES system using bio-liquids.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Decision on Environmental Conditions

Step 2 – Spatial planning

In the Polish legal environment, the most important role is played by Local Spatial Development Plans (MPZP). In areas not covered by these plans, during the transitional period following the entry into force of the spatial planning reform (Act of 7 July 2023 amending the Act on Spatial Planning and Development and certain other acts (Journal of Laws 2023, item 1688)), decisions on land development conditions apply. An additional solution introduced by the reform is the Integrated Investment Plan (ZPI).

Detailed descriptions of the procedures discussed in this step can be found at the following links:

Step 3 – Obtaining environmental permits

Since the operation of a system using bio-liquids may cause emissions that negatively affect the environment, in some cases, before applying for a construction permit, it may be necessary to obtain an environmental permit.

Obtaining an environmental permit is independent of obtaining an environmental decision.

The type of environmental permit depends on the environmental impact associated with the operation of the system using bio-liquids.

Detailed descriptions of environmental permits that may be required for systems using bio-liquids can be found at the following links:

Step 4 – Obtaining conditions for connection to the heating grid (optional)

The main energy product generated by systems utilizing bio-liquids is heat, often produced in combination with electricity. The process of combined heat and power generation is called cogeneration.

Ensuring connection to the heating grid is a stage of the investment and construction process that directly precedes obtaining the construction permit for a system utilizing bio-liquids. Connection to the grid enables the delivery of heat produced in the system to its consumers and thus its sale.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Application for Issuance of Conditions for Connection to the Heating Grid

It should be noted that the necessity to obtain conditions for connection to the heating grid depends on the type of energy generated by the individual system.

Step 5 – Obtaining conditions for connection to the electricity grid (optional)

 

Systems utilizing bio-liquids, in addition to producing heat, may also generate electricity through cogeneration. A technical prerequisite for receiving electricity from a system utilizing bio-liquids is its prior connection to the electricity grid.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Application for Issuance of Conditions for Connection to the Electricity Grid

The necessity to obtain conditions for connection to the electricity grid depends on the type of energy generated by the individual system.

Step 6 – Obtaining a construction permit

The construction permit is an element of the investment process that constitutes the basis for commencing construction works on a system utilizing bio-liquids. Without this decision, it is not possible to start construction works or subsequently operate the system.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Construction Permit

Step 7 – Operational notification

An operational notification will be required for systems utilizing bio-liquids that, under the Construction Law, are considered buildings. In such cases, they are classified as objects belonging to category XVIII of the annex to the Construction Law, whose use should be preceded by submitting an operational notification.

Another case requiring an operational notification is when the investor intends to use part of the system before completing all construction works. A further exception requiring an operational notification is the legalization of unauthorized construction.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Operational notification

Step 8 – Entry into the register of bioliquid producers

According to Article 34 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act, business activity in the field of bio-liquids is a regulated activity and requires entry into the register of producers conducting business activity in the field of bio-liquids, maintained by the Director General of KOWR.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Entry into the Register of BioLiquid Producers

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