Small-Scale Biomass System (with a Capacity Above 50 kW up to 1 MW)
Steps in the investment process for implementing this system
Small biomass systems require obtaining a number of administrative permits, including environmental permits. The process concludes with obtaining an entry in the Register of Small RES Electricity Generators.
Step 1 – Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions
Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions is, in most cases, the first stage in the investment and construction process for a RES system utilizing biomass.
Step 2 – Spatial planning
In the Polish legal framework, the most important role is played by: local spatial development plans (MPZP), and 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) – decision on land development conditions. An additional solution introduced by the reform is the integrated investment plan (ZPI).
Step 3 – Environmental permits
Since the operation of a biomass system may cause emissions negatively affecting 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 the decision on environmental conditions.
The type of environmental permit depends on the environmental impact associated with the operation of the biomass system.
Step 4 – Application for issuance of conditions for connection to the heating grid (optional)
The main energy product generated by biomass systems is heat, often produced in combination with electricity generation. This combined process is called cogeneration.
Ensuring connection to the heating grid is a stage in the investment and construction process that directly precedes obtaining a construction permit for the biomass system. Connection to the grid enables the delivery of heat produced by the biomass system to its consumers and thus its sale.
It should also be noted that the necessity to obtain conditions for connection to the heating grid depends on the type of energy generated by the specific system.
Step 5 – Application for issuance of conditions for connection to the electricity grid (optional)
Biomass systems, in addition to producing heat, may also generate electricity through cogeneration. A technical prerequisite for receiving electricity from the biomass system is its prior 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 specific system.
Step 6 – Construction permit
The construction permit is an element of the investment process that constitutes the basis for commencing construction works on the biomass system. Without this decision, construction works cannot begin, nor can the system be put into operation.
Step 7 – Operational notification
An operational notification will be required for biomass systems that, under construction law, are classified as buildings. In such cases, they are categorized under category XVIII of the annex to the Construction Law, and their use must be preceded by submitting an operational notification.
Another situation where an operational notification is necessary is when the investor intends to commence the use of part of the system before completing all construction works. A further exception requiring an operational notification is the legalization of unauthorized construction.
Step 8 – Entry in the register of small RES electricity generators
Entry in the register of small RES electricity generators replaces the requirement to obtain a concession decision for biomass systems with a total installed electrical capacity greater than 50 kW and not exceeding 1 MW.