A utility company based in Silesia, Poland is using renewable energy sources to power some of its facilities thanks to an investment backed by the European Regional Development Fund. Eco Team Service harnesses solar and wind power to help pump, purify and ultimately supply water to the 14 000 people who live in the Łodygowice Municipality. The project has helped the company save on its electricity bills.
Renewable energy boost for Silesian utilities provider
- 29 May 2019
We are highly satisfied with the project’s implementation. It was realised solely due to the funding obtained from the European Union. At present, we have nine photovoltaic installations in place in all the objects belonging to the company, which enables us to save electricity. We are happy to be reporting an increased interest among the inhabitants of the Łodygowice Commune in the assembly of such installations, also on their buildings.
Eco Team Service is a 100 % subsidiary of the municipality and provides a range of utilities to the local population. As well as water purification and supply, it maintains public buildings, collects and disposes of municipal waste and looks after the local road network.
New equipment
This project paid for the installation of nine photovoltaic units to supply electricity to the company’s water pumping and purification stations, to the local healthcare centres and the Sołtysówka social integration centre. The investment included 10 solar and wind-powered lamps which are used to illuminate municipal cemeteries and the Bartoszowiec pumping station.
More than 20 % of the total cost of the company’s water production can be attributed to electricity for pumps, lighting and purification. Total annual consumption of electricity at the water supply plants comes to more than 160 000 kWh.
The investment already produced savings for the company since project completion. From 2017 to 2018, the annual cost of purchasing electricity dropped by EUR 6 724.83. In 2018 the company made a EUR 5 601.47 profit from selling electricity back to the grid.
Stable prices
In the long run, the new supply of renewable energy is expected to help Eco Team Service stabilise the cost of water per cubic metre and ensure some independence from prices set by external energy providers. The investment helps the company meet one of its key goals – to provide services to the local population at the lowest possible price.
In addition to reducing and stabilising electricity costs, the project is:
helping to improve the local environment through lower emissions of air pollutants;promoting the value of renewable energy with the local population; andhelping the company and municipality develop services and grow sustainably.Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Renewable Energy for the ETS” is EUR 382 460 (PLN 1 641 455), with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 243 184 (PLN 1 043 705) through the Regional Operational Programme for the Silesian Voivodeship 2014-2020. The investment falls under the priority “Climate change and risk prevention”.