The Silesian Voivodeship, the heart of Polish industry and an extremely important economic area, is currently facing the challenge of energy transformation. Due to climate change, striving for sustainable development, including investing in renewable energy sources, is becoming not only a priority but also a necessity. An important element of the transformation are subsidies that support projects related to the development of renewable energy sources. Recently, nearly PLN 470 million has been allocated for almost the entire region. Who will benefit the most?
Silesia open to renewable energy
The Silesian Voivodeship, previously synonymous with the coal and steel industry, is now increasingly focusing on renewable energy sources. Solar energy is the main industry developing in the region – despite the limited number of sunny days per year. Both individual prosumers and companies are investing in photovoltaics. Producing electricity for one's own needs is not only a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, but also a way to significantly reduce bills.
Wind energy is also developing at a dynamic pace. The geographical conditions of Silesia are conducive to the use of wind energy. Windmills are erected in rural areas and industrial areas, providing energy to local communities and businesses.
Farms and industrial plants in Silesia are also investing in technologies related to biogas and biomass. The fermentation process of organic waste enables the production of biogas, which can be used as an alternative source of energy. Biomass, in the form of pellets or briquettes, is used to heat buildings, which contributes to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption.
More investments are coming
Silesia is not slowing down. Further investments in renewable energy sources are planned as part of the implementation of as many as 7 projects in almost the entire province. A total of PLN 470 million will be allocated from the Just Transition Fund for projects supporting individual investments in renewable energy sources!
The largest amount, over PLN 143.5 million, went to Rybnik – currently a leader in the fight against smog and one of the most active local governments in the "Clean Air" program – and partner communes for the implementation of the project "Green energy in the area of Partner Communes: Rybnik, Czerwionka-Leszczyny, Gaszowice, Jejkowice, Lyski, Pszów, Świerklany", in the years 2024-2026. The project provides for the purchase and installation of a total of 2,596 RES installations and 1,678 electricity and heat storage units. The owner of the property will be able to receive up to PLN 104 thousand in funding in the case of the purchase of a set including a heat pump, photovoltaic installation, electricity storage unit and energy management system. According to experts, the implementation of the program can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 12 thousand tons per year.
Subsidies not only for Rybnik
Financial support will not only benefit Rybnik and its partner municipalities. The Czechowice-Dziedzice commune will receive PLN 23.7 million for the implementation of the project “From coal to the sun – renewable energy sources for residents of the Czechowice-Dziedzice and Hażlach municipalities”, Tarnowskie Góry PLN 109.3 million for the project “Development of distributed energy based on renewable energy sources in the city of Tarnowskie Góry, the Bobrowniki commune and the Świerklaniec commune”, and Bielsko-Biała PLN 42.9 million for the program “Renewable energy sources for residents of Bielsko-Biała and Zebrzydowice”. The pool will also be used by Tychy (PLN 93.1 million for the project “Focus on renewable energy sources – development of distributed energy based on renewable energy sources in the Partner Municipalities of Tychy and Wyry”) and Bytom (PLN 35.1 million and PLN 20.2 million for the projects “Development of distributed energy based on renewable energy sources in the Municipalities of Bytom and Radzionków” and “Development of distributed energy based on renewable energy sources in the Municipality of Bytom).
PLN 15.7 million for those distinguished in the Marshal's Air Quality Improvement Program
The recently closed second recruitment of the Marshal's Air Quality Improvement Program enjoyed just as much interest as the first. In this edition, the amount to be distributed was PLN 15.7 million, which is PLN 10 million more than a year ago. The funds were distributed in two competitions: "Municipality fully breastfed" (PLN 700,000) and "Anti-smog Initiative" (PLN 15 million). The pool was divided between 74 municipalities, which will implement as many as 77 projects as part of the subsidies received. In the "Municipality fully breastfed" competition, the following were distinguished: Godów, Gorzyce, Pilchowice, Psary and Pawłowice. On the other hand, the winners of the "Anti-smog Initiative" included Racibórz, Siemianowice Śląskie and Wodzisław Śląski.
Subsidies for the implementation of renewable energy projects are an important element of the energy transformation of Silesia. Deputy Marshal of the province Łukasz Czopik emphasizes that each project, regardless of the amount allocated for its implementation, is equally important for the region.
