Przechlewo, 21 April 2008

Today, the town of Płaszczyca, Pomerania Province, has seen an inauguration of a new farm biogas plant. The event was attended by Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kazimierz Plocke.

At present, Poldanor S.A. is the only enterprise in Poland to operate farm biogas plants. Back in March, the company put the second 625 kW farm biogas plant in Poland into operation in Płaszczyca, Przechlewo Commune. The first project of this kind was completed in the nearby Pawłówko, Pomerania Province, in 2005.

The new 625 kW farm biogas plant in Płaszczyca will turn animal waste (liquid manure) as well as maize silage into energy amounting to the average consumption of around 1,600 households. The energy produced will be first of all used to meet the needs of the company, whereas its excess will be sold to electricity distribution companies. Additionally, the plant will produce heat energy which Poldanor will put into use in the very plan and to warm own farm houses.

“On the occasion of the opening of the biogas plant in Płaszczyca, I am proud to announce that Poldanor has made another step in the long-term process of the development of environment-friendly renewable energy. With such measures we intend not only to contribute to the environment protection, both on a local and global scale, but also to an economic development in the rural areas of Poland,” said Tom Axelgaard, Poldanor’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Another, third, Poldanor’s biogas plant is already under construction in Kujanki, Człuchów District. The biogas plant will supply heat energy to Poldanor’s animal farm, while installed power is to reach 330 kW.

“The biogas plant in Płaszczyca is an investment which perfectly promotes the development of renewable energy production in Poland. Congratulations on the project which will serve both the local community and the environment. I am of the opinion that the steps taken while carrying out the project have proved that you are able to strike a balance between effective farming and environment protection, whereas your determination will set a good example for other enterprises,” said Kazimierz Plocke, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Farm biogas plants, an example of renewable energy of the second generation, are given priority both in the European Union policy as well as by the incumbent Polish government. Plants producing clean energy are beneficial to the environment, but, predominantly, contribute to the reduction of the greenhouse effect and diversification of energy supplies, thus limiting dependence on conventional energy sources.