Veolia Energia Polska, Veolia Energia Lódz, Innargi and the City of Lódz have signed a letter of intent aiming to launch a joint project regarding the exploration and use of geothermal resources in Lódz. The geothermal project can supply renewable energy to the Lódz district heating system, contribute to its decarbonisation, the green transition of Lódz and increase the city’s energy independence. The parties envisage a long-term partnership that should result in the supply of approximately 200 MW of geothermal energy.
Veolia Energia Polska and Veolia Energia Lódz have entered into a strategic partnership with Innargi and the City of Lódz to help develop geothermal energy in Lódz. The purpose of the project is to supply geothermal heat to the district heating network managed by Veolia Energia Lódz. The project is one of the elements of the decarbonisation of the Lódz district heating system and improvement of energy efficiency through renewable energy sources. This approach is consistent with Veolia’s energy transition strategy. The parties envisage a partnership that could result in the supply of approximately 200 MW of geothermal energy.
Europe still has untapped geothermal heating potential. The main obstacles are significant investment costs and geological conditions. An innovative approach by the Danish company Innargi may change the situation. Innargi, a leader in the geothermal sector, is currently working in Denmark on the largest geothermal heating plant project in the European Union. The company has introduced a new business model that treats geothermal energy as a service. This concept ensures that Veolia does not have to bear the high investment costs associated with geological surveys, infrastructure construction and exploitation of the deposit.
This solution can open a new chapter for district heating, and make geothermal a more accessible and attractive alternative to district heating networks. Innargi’s model reduces financial and operational risks and at the same time allows users to enjoy a clean, renewable energy source.
A letter of intent concerning partnership in a geothermal project was signed by the parties today during the Lódz Geothermal Conference.
“Our goal is to provide residents with clean, stable heat that is resilient to the volatility of energy markets. Veolia continuously strives to introduce green solutions and the geothermal project is a proof of our commitment to an efficient energy transition and aligns very well with our global GreenUp strategy. Geothermal is another project we want to carry out with the City of Lódz in the area of district heating and the environmental challenges facing both the energy industry and local governments.”
Luiz Hanania, CEO of the Veolia Group in Poland and President of the Management Board
A new era of sustainable energy in Lódz
Veolia Energia Lódz, a manufacturer of district heat and electricity, is responsible for supplying heat to the majority of households in Lódz as well as key public facilities and industrial plants. The geothermal project is part of the company’s long-term strategy, aimed at decarbonisation through, for example, the development of renewable and cost-competitive energy sources. Geothermal energy is not dependent on weather conditions and in the future may become an important pillar of the Lódz district heating system.
“Veolia considers the development of sustainable energy solutions a priority. The addition of geothermal energy to our fuel mix is another milestone in our green transition strategy. The partnership with Innargi and the City of Lódz allows us to introduce the renewable heat source into a wide range of decarbonisation projects within the Lódz district heating system.”
Anna Kedziora-Szwagrzak, President of the Management Board of Veolia Energii Lódz
One-Stop-Shop service and responsibility of Innargi
Innargi, a developer and operator of geothermal heat plants, brings its experience in implementing geothermal projects in a ‘one-stop-shop’ model. The company offers full support at every stage of the project – from the search for geothermal resources to the construction of plants and their operation. This means that Veolia Energia Lódz and its customers can rely on a stable supply of environmentally friendly heat that is highly energy efficient.
“Geothermal energy is the future of sustainable cities. We are happy to support Lódz in achieving its ambitious energy goals by providing solutions that help to reduce CO2 emissions and increase energy efficiency. There are many advantages of geothermal heating, but its use in European district heating systems has so far remained limited due to financial and geological barriers. We see Lódz as a key location on the geothermal investment map. I am sure that our offered business model makes it possible to introduce geothermal into the transformation process of Veolia’s district heating systems.”
Samir Abboud, CEO of Innargi
Sustainability and a long-term partnership
The geothermal project in Lódz is not only an investment in a clean energy source, but also an opportunity for an important step towards the city’s climate neutrality. The construction of geothermal plants may become an example for other cities in Poland and other parts of the world, and show how a green transition of the heating sector can be carried out effectively.
“For years, Lódz has been investing in innovative and environmentally friendly solutions that improve the quality of life of the residents. Veolia, which manages the city’s key district heating infrastructure, is our important partner in achieving our climate goals and co-creating a sustainable city. The partnership with Veolia and Innargi on the geothermal project is another step towards increasing our energy potential in an environmentally friendly way.”
Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Lódz
The City of Lódz, realising the importance of the project for the local community, has declared its full support and partnership in terms of research. Thanks to the partnership between Veolia, Innargi and the City of Lódz, the geothermal project is set to become an important step towards a green future of Lódz, and contribute to increased energy security and the development of environmentally friendly heating solutions.
