The Turów complex focuses on continuous development and environmentally-friendly investments
The Turów Mine and Power Plant are constantly taking steps to reduce impact on the environment, complying with the BAT conclusions and investing in modernisation projects and new technology. What’s being done?
- A project covering the modernisation of three power units in the power plant, carried out since 2014. This significant investment, worth about PLN 800 million, is being carried out in order to ensure that the installations comply with EU emission standards, as defined in the BAT Conclusions. The effect of the ongoing modernisation is a substantial decrease in emissions - nitrogen oxides from 190 to 175 mg/Nm3, sulphur dioxide from 400 to 180 mg/Nm3 and dust from 50 to mg/Nm3. The project is currently in its final stage of implementation, and will be completed before the BAT Conclusions enter into force, that is before 21 August 2021.
- A modern and highly efficient 496 MW power unit is under construction in the power plant, set to replace three older generation units that have been withdrawn from operation. The investment, worth approx. PLN 4.2 billion, is in the final stage of implementation. The new block will meet strict environmental protection standards and will comply with the emission restrictions resulting from the BAT conclusions, requiring the implementation of the best and most environmentally friendly technology available.
- Redevelopment of post-mining areas, in particular the hills of the Turów Mine, rich in flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The mine planted around 22 million trees on the site, which was re-cultivated in 2008. The site has been transferred to the State Forests. The former mine is currently a forest complex, of great value for the Bogatynia local community. It perfectly blends in with the hilly Worek Żytawski surroundings, which include the Izerskie Foothills.
Re-cultivation of the former mining site has been carried out for 14 years. According to the plans, a huge lake will be created in this area with a total surface of approx. 5000 acres and a depth of approx. 140 metres. The lake will not be the first one created at a former open-cast mining site. In Germany, in the vicinity of nearby Görlitz, the Berzdorfer See lake has been operating for several years, created on the site of a former open-cast lignite mine.
The re-cultivation of post-mining areas is a long-term process and requires appropriate planning and preparation. Foresters and nature experts agree that the area being re-cultivated by the mine is an integral part of the entire ecosystem and is no different from naturally occurring ecosystems.
