ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF MODERNIZING DISTRICT HEATING SYSTEMS IN NORTH-EASTERN POLAND

On the basis of audit surveys concerning modernization of heating systems in middle-sized towns (of 16 to 65 thousand inhabitants), a technical-economic analysis as well as an ecological analysis of feasible investment projects were performed. The audit surveys concentrated mainly on 152 local low-temperature boiler houses with low emission sources in selected towns of the north-eastern Poland. The audit surveys mentioned above involved also measurements of the amounts of SO(2) and particulate matter polluting the air. The fundamental purpose of the suggested modernization of the researched heating systems was to improve the very low operating efficiency of the boiler houses (mainly with low emission sources) under concern, as well as or perhaps above all - to reduce levels of SO(2) and particulate matter polluting the air. One of the criteria applied in the economic assessment of the suggested projects (investments) was the Net Present Value (NPV), whereas in the case of the ecological assessment - reducing air pollution.