Treated Wastewater to Support the Energy Sector. President Signs New Law

What does the new law provide for?

The amendment to the Water Law stipulates that, from 1 January 2027, treated municipal wastewater may be used to ensure the operation of cooling systems at combined heat and power plants and power plants.

Thanks to the new regulations, the energy sector and district heating systems will be able to use an alternative source of water for cooling, thereby reducing water withdrawals from rivers and other natural resources.

This solution will help protect natural resources more effectively, enhance Poland’s energy security, and prepare the country for the effects of climate change.

Greater water and energy security

Poland has some of the lowest water resources in the European Union, while the energy and heating sectors are among the largest users of surface water. During periods of drought, this can lead to problems with access to the water needed to cool power plants and CHP facilities.

The new regulations will allow appropriately treated water from municipal wastewater to be used instead of some of the water currently withdrawn from rivers. This is expected to reduce pressure on natural resources and increase the energy sector’s resilience to drought and climate change.

The solution also supports the concept of a circular economy, giving treated water a new purpose. Power plants and CHP plants will still be required to obtain the appropriate water-use permits before using it.

Why was the law signed?

During droughts, lower water levels in rivers can make it more difficult for power plants and CHP plants to operate, as they require water for cooling. This means that energy security is, to some extent, dependent on the availability of water.

The new regulations will make it possible to use appropriately treated municipal wastewater to cool energy facilities. As a result, some of the water, instead of being discharged back into the environment, can be reused, reducing water withdrawals from rivers and enabling more efficient management of available water resources.