Potential of existing and newly designed geothermal heating plants in limiting of low emissions in Poland

Abstract

Geothermal energy as one of renewable energy sources is an alternative to conventional methods of heat production, and thus contributes to reducing the emission of pollutants into the environment, especially the so-called low emission. Poland is facing the problem of pollutant emissions from combustion processes, in the context to individual households using mainly solid fuels to ensure heat demand for central heating and hot water production. The paper presents the results of calculations of avoided emissions in the context of replacement of conventional individual heating for geothermal heating systems, taking into consideration not only the problem of air pollution in Poland, but also issues of fuel quality (calorific value) and efficiency of used heating devices.