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Small-Scale Systems Using Bio-Liquids (with a Capacity Above 50 kW up to 1 MW)

Steps in the investment process for implementing this system

Small systems using bio-liquids require obtaining a number of administrative permits, including environmental permits. The process concludes with an entry in the register of producers conducting business activities in the field of bio-liquids.

Step 1 – Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions

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

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 biomass systems 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 using bio-liquids is heat, often produced in combination with electricity generation. This combined production 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 a system using bio-liquids. Connection to the grid enables the delivery of heat produced by 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

Please note that the necessity to obtain conditions for connection to the heating grid depends on the type of energy produced by the specific system.

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

Systems using bio-liquids, in addition to producing heat, may also generate electricity through cogeneration. A technical prerequisite for receiving electricity from such a system 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 produced by the specific system.

Step 6 – Obtaining a construction permit

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

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

Step 7 – Obtaining an operational notification

An operational notification will be required for systems using bio-liquids that, under the Construction Law, are classified as buildings. In such cases, they fall under category XVIII of the annex to the Construction Law, and their use should be preceded by obtaining an operational notification.

Another situation 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 bio-liquid producers

Pursuant to Article 34 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act, business activity in the field of bio-liquids is regulated 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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