The City of Bydgoszcz, located in northern Poland, has made significant progress towards its sustainable development goals. The city's project application for technical assistance and consultancy services from the Smart Cities Marketplace was recently approved. This support will aid Bydgoszcz in realising its ambitious renewable energy project, which is closely tied to its Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) and has secured funding from the European City Facility (EUCF).for the concept.
Bydgoszcz aims to establish 10 photovoltaic farms with a total capacity of approximately 40 megawatts (MW). The project also involves creating a cutting-edge hydrogen generation system that is primarily intended to de-carbonise the city's bus transportation system. This innovative project has the potential to be replicated in Poland and expanded beyond its initial scope and has an indicative investment volume in the order of €50 million.
Recognizing the complexity of the project, Bydgoszcz has sought technical assistance from the experts at the Smart Cities Marketplace. The support required includes specialized knowledge in hydrogen generation and hydrogen busses as well as financial expertise to navigate European Union and national co-financing opportunities. Bydgoszcz will receive 1-on-1 consultancy from the Smart Cities Marketplace between June and October 2023.
Bydgoszcz aims to work closely with the Smart Cities Marketplace to develop a comprehensive and efficient renewable energy infrastructure aligned with its long-term sustainability objectives. The successful implementation of this project would position Bydgoszcz as a forward-thinking city committed to clean energy and inspire similar initiatives across Europe. Smart Cities Marketplace will work with the city to connect them to other cities that have decarbonized their public transport using hydrogen to exchange experiences and best practices.
By securing technical support from the Smart Cities Marketplace, the City of Bydgoszcz is determined to decarbonise its urban environment and achieve its Sustainable Climate and Energy Action Plans. By developing a renewable energy infrastructure and using innovative hydrogen solutions, Bydgoszcz aims to become a model for other municipalities in Poland and inspire sustainable initiatives throughout Europe.
“Energy policy at the time of technological transformation and increasing demand should direct itself toward increasing the role of local government in building the capacity of distributed energy sources and increasing the role of energy self-sufficiency”. Tomasz Bońdos, Energy Manager in the City of Bydgoszcz.