Low-altitude emission issues and the problem of smog ubiquity discussed at ENEX

Nobody needs to be convinces -  polluted air in Poland is a fact. It suffices to go out and take a breath. Since mid-December we have been regularly informed that free public transport services are offered because of a high concentration of pollutants in Warsaw. Krakow recommends not to leave the house. Three days before Christmas Eve, Małopolska Region reported that the standards were exceeded nine-fold.

Poor air quality in Poland is primarily attributed to low-calorific value fuels used for heating as well as waste which is also used in hose-heating installations. According to the Ministry of the Environment, there are other reasons, too.  This information has also been  conformed by  other institutions and non-governmental organizations, for example by  Polish Smog Alert. Unfortunately, the PAS data and the European Environment Agency reports show how serious is the problem - all Poland's area is affected.  To make the situation even worse, Poland significantly diverges from Europe's average.  According to the World Health Organization, 33 of European Union's 50 most polluted cities are located in Poland.

Low-altitude emissions are associated with accumulation of emitters lower than 40 m above ground level in high-density built-up areas. Combustion of coal and, in some cases even plastics causes releases particles into the air. Given the nature of the particles, they remain in the atmosphere for long. Airborne particles get into our lungs for keeps. This includes highly carcinogenic benzopyrene. Smog calculators show that, for example a resident of Katowice who spends 4 hours outside the house a day inhales the equivalent of almost 2,600 cigarettes a year. This also applies to non-smokers;   no matter what you do, you cannot avoid breathing the air in the city. Moving out might be the only option.

The only real solution to the problem is the replacement of old heat-sources. Heat pumps come in aid - this is one of the best alternatives, however there many other options. Sun-collectors for hot utility water are a good alternative. Biomass boilers, although an emission source, are less harmful. 

ENEX expo - the knowledge pool and good practices exchange platform

You cannot forget how important it is to build public awareness.  Therefore 2017's ENEX show is a true competence centre which puts boilers-related education at the top of its priority list. The Boiler Alley is organized during the two-day trade-show, i.e. 1 and 2 March 2017. - The first-time event offers manufacturers the presentation stage for their offer and technological innovations. Visitors can make the best of this one-stop-shop and get professional help in choosing a boiler that suit their needs. A boiler manufacturer from Świętokrzyskie Province - DEFRO has already conformed its presence; the company will put its class-5 boiler on show. ENEX looks forward manufacturers to showcase their products!

The two-day expo programme includes a whole array of events - 10th Jubilee National Heat Pumps and Heating Technology Forum. This event is held on the first day of the expo. The 7th  National Photovoltaics and Energy Storage Forum SOLAR + is staged in 2 March 2017.  The events also provide a good opportunity to discuss the renewable energy role in combating low-altitude emission problem in Poland.

The latest information is available at the ENEX Facebook fanpage  and the expo webpage. Follow us on the social media and get the latest information.  ENEX - the best way to keep up to date!

We look forward to seeing you in Kielce on 1 and 2 March 2017.