CASE: Combined heat and power production in Częstochowa
Fortum’s Częstochowa CHP plant utilizing the latest technology was commissioned in Poland in 2010. Plant Operations Engineer Rafał Kaczmarzyk (pictured) explains the basics of CHP plant production.
What does demand-based energy production mean at the CHP plant? 
Every day a plan is compiled for the heat energy needs. The plan is based on weather forecasts and previous consumption data. When we know the thermal load, we can determine the electricity production because they are in direct correlation with one another. A CHP operating plan based on consumption forecasts is always prepared one day in advance. Fortum’s combined system has been designed to best meet the heat consumption of the city of Częstochowa.
Improving the energy efficiency of the fuels used in energy production has a direct impact on the amount of emissions. At Częstochowa we have reduced CO2 emissions significantly with new technology solutions that make it possible to burn multiple different fuels simultaneously. We are also using forest and agricultural biomasses for fuel.