The core products of the companies within the PGE CG are electricity and heat. However, a range of additional materials is generated through technological processes, many of which can be classified as resource outflows.
The combustion of hard coal, lignite, and biomass in the Group’s power plants and CHP units inherently results in the formation of combustion by-products (CBPs). These by-products arise both during the combustion process itself (mainly fly ash and slag) and during flue gas treatment (e.g. gypsum). The PGE CG implements several measures aimed at managing CBPs, including:
- Concluding contracts for the collection (sale/utilisation) of CBPs,
- Storing part of the CBPs produced,
- Reprocessing waste previously deposited in landfills.
The quality characteristics of CBPs may vary between generation units, depending, for example, on the type and physicochemical properties of the fuels used. Based on their origin within the technological process, CBPs can be categorised as follows:
- Ash-slag mixtures (two types: from coal combustion only and from co-combustion of coal and biomass),
- Mixtures of fly ash and solid residues from calcium-based flue gas desulphurisation (dry and semi-dry methods, as well as fluidised bed combustion),
- Synthetic gypsum,
- Solid waste from calcium-based flue gas desulphurisation,
- Fly ash,
- Slag,
- Fluidised bed sand,
- Microspheres,
- Sludge from flue gas desulphurisation wastewater treatment plants,
- Waste from coal storage and preparation.
It is important to note that these outgoing resources, originating from conventional and co-generation electricity and heat generation units, constitute a significant portion of the input resources for PGE Ekoserwis S.A.
- Portland fly ash cements in compliance with PN-EN 197-1,
- Road and hydraulic binders compliant with:
- National Technical Assessment,
- European standard EN 13282-1,
- Aggregates and sands compliant with:
- National Technical Assessment,
- European standard EN 13055-1,
- National standard PN-EN 13055,
- Hydraulic binder-bound mixtures compliant with:
- National standard PN-EN 14227-1,
- National standard PN-EN 14227-3,
- Fly ash for concrete compliant with PN-EN 450-1,
- Fly ash for cement compliant with PN-EN 197-1,
- “B” certified mining binders,
- Fertilisers compliant with:
- Decision No 323.13 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
- Regulation (EU) No 2019/1009,
Synthetic gypsum in accordance with the manufacturer’s declaration.
Resource outflows from PGE GiEK S.A., the District Heating Segment, and the Circular Economy segment.
The primary waste stream within the PGE CG originates from thermal processes (waste classification group no. 10). Waste that is not processed within the Group is handed over to external entities holding valid waste management permits, as well as to mining operations – such as overburden materials deposited at mine dumps, mineral waste (dust, slag, unusable minerals), chemical or organic waste.
Other waste types result from overhauls, modernisations, or maintenance activities, as well as from general or administrative operations, including paper, plastic, glass, used electronic or lighting equipment, spent printer cartridges, and similar materials.
PGE Dystrybucja S.A. and PGE Energetyka Kolejowa S.A. generate waste in connection with the operation, maintenance, and repair of distribution networks. They do not carry out circular economy activities, as all generated waste is transferred to authorised third parties.
1 Due to seasonal variations in waste production, volumes managed in the reporting year may include quantities from previous years. Similarly, part of the waste generated during the reporting period may be managed in the following year.
2 Waste volumes may not balance across categories, as many PGE CG entities transfer waste to licensed external waste management entities. Information on further treatment of transferred waste is not always available.
A key area of focus for the PGE CG in its efforts to intensify activities within the Circular Economy segment. Given the multi-million-tonne scale of these streams, even marginal percentage increases in recovery contribute to significant reductions in waste sent for disposal. The Circular Economy domain requires ongoing promotion and implementation of its principles and best practices across the Group.