Podhale Geothermal District Heating and Environment Project

“Zakopane is the only ski resort in Europe, if not the world, where most hotels and homes use renewable energy.” Dr. Piotr Dlugosz, President of a Polish power supply company.

Earlier, burning coal and wood polluted the clear mountain air 

Dr. Piotr Dlugosz has waited long for this day. At last, the people of picturesque Zakopane have been able to give up their antiquated fossil fuel - burning heating systems by tapping into the region's hot springs for clean and cheap geothermal energy.

"Thanks to a World Bank project, Zakopane is now the only ski resort in Europe, if not the world, where most hotels and homes use renewable energy,” says Dr.Dlugosz, president of the Polish power company which has run the project since its inception in 2000

Tapping into hot springs for clean geothermal energy

Traditionally, the Podhale region with its ski resorts of Zakopane and Nowy Targ relied on coal, coke, or wood to heat homes and businesses. This polluted the environment and ruined the pristine air that attracted millions of visitors each year.   

The World Bank stepped in to remedy the situation with its Podhale Geothermal District Heating and Environment Project. The project created a novel geothermal district heating system by tapping into the region’s vast reservoir of hot springs. Geothermal wells were drilled, heating plants were built, and heat exchanges and gas meters were installed in homes. The World Bank financed $38.2 million of the total project cost of $96.7 million.

Transformed towns set to attract tourists from Western Europe

The switch to renewable geothermal energy has transformed the resort towns of the region. And, with carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions expected to drop to 125,900 tons and 10,678 tons, Poland will be helped to meet emission targets mandated by a number of international treaties.

With Poland joining the European Union, the timing could not have been better. “Soon, with the completion of its thermal baths, Zakopane will be a big hit among tourists from Western as well as Eastern Europe.” says an elated Dr. Dlugosz.