National Contact Point for Renewable Energy Sources

After completing the steps and obtaining the required permits described on the page concerning the exploration and identification of thermal waters, the investor may proceed with project implementation.
Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions (environmental decision) is the first decision acquired as part of the investment process for a geothermal system. It should be noted that a separate environmental decision may also be required at an earlier stage, i.e., during thermal water exploration.

Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Decision on Environmental Conditions

A geothermal investment 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 area where the geothermal system is to be located is covered by a Local Spatial Development Plan (MPZP).

If the area is not covered by an MPZP, the investor should review the municipality’s general plan (or the Study of Conditions and Directions of Spatial Development 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)).

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 intended use of the property established in the general plan (or in the study during the transitional period).

If the investor determines that the planned project complies with the general plan (or the study during the transitional period), 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.

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

It should be noted that the investor may simultaneously apply for conditions for connection to the heating grid and a construction permit. However, for a building where heat will be used for heating or hot water purposes, the application for a construction permit must include a statement by a designer with appropriate building qualifications regarding the possibility of connecting the designed building to the existing heating network, in accordance with the conditions specified in Article 7b of the Energy Law. The content of this statement is indicated in the regulation. Therefore, before submitting the application for a construction permit, the investor should verify the technical conditions for heat supply from the system in the area where the geothermal system is to be located.

Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Application for Issuance of Conditions for Connection to the Heating Grid

Geothermal systems, in addition to producing heat, may also generate electricity. Sometimes electricity generation may be combined with heat generation in a cogeneration process. A technical prerequisite for receiving electricity from the geothermal system is its prior connection to the electricity grid.

Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Application for Issuance of Conditions for Connection to the Electricity Grid

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

Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Construction Permit

After completing the construction process of the geothermal system, in order to be able to use it and thus start producing energy, it is necessary to first submit an operational notification. This notification confirms the possibility of legally using the facility in a proper manner, in accordance with the previously issued construction permit.

Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Operational Notification

Obtaining a licence for heat generation is required when conducting business activities involving the production of heat from a geothermal system with a total installed capacity exceeding 5 MW.

Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Licence for Heat Generation (WCC)

If the project involves generating electricity in a geothermal system, the final step before starting its sale is obtaining a licence for the generation of electricity from RES.
An important exception to the licensing requirement applies to geothermal power plants:

• with a total installed electrical capacity greater than 50 kW and not exceeding 1 MW, connected to an electricity grid with a nominal voltage lower than 110 kV, or with an achievable thermal capacity in cogeneration greater than 150 kW and less than 3 MW, where the total installed electrical capacity is greater than 50 kW and not exceeding 1 MW (small system), and

• with a total installed electrical capacity not exceeding 50 kW, connected to an electricity grid with a nominal voltage lower than 110 kV, or with an achievable thermal capacity in cogeneration not exceeding 150 kW, where the total installed electrical capacity does not exceed 50 kW (micro-system) – in these cases, there is no obligation to obtain a licence.

Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Licence for the Generation of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources (RES)