Events at Elektrownia Turów

1. the 1998 event

• Date: 24 December 1998.
• Description: One of the biggest failures in the Polish power industry occurred when a 200 MW power unit was almost completely destroyed. A failure of the hydraulic control system resulted in mechanical blockage of the generator rotor, causing hydrogen and oil to flow out and ignite. The fire engulfed the entire generator of unit 5, and as a result of safety measures, three neighbouring generators were shut down1.

2. 2012 event

• Date: 24 July 2012
• DESCRIPTION: At 21:56 an explosion occurred in power unit 1 caused by the ignition of coal dust mixed with biomass dust. The fire spread to block 2 and blocks 3 and 4 were shut down. As a result of the incident, four people were injured and the roof of one of the blocks was damaged. The firefighting operation was carried out by more than 20 firefighting units.

These incidents highlight the risks associated with operating coal-fired power plants, where factors such as coal dust can lead to serious accidents and risks to human health and infrastructure.

Challenges at the Turów power plant

Problems with the new power unit

• Description: The newly built Unit 7, commissioned in 2021 at a cost of PLN 4.3 billion, has struggled with frequent breakdowns and operational problems. Since its commissioning, the unit has been out of service for about a year due to necessary repairs. Media reports highlighted that its unstable operation put the future of the power plant and local communities in question3.

Legal issues relating to concessions

• Description: The Turów power plant is also at the centre of a legal controversy over coal mining concessions. In March 2024, the Voivodship Administrative Court revoked the validity of the documents authorising mining, which could lead to PGE GiEK losing its concession. This case has been widely reported in the media, drawing attention to the potential consequences for the Turoszów region3.

Ecological controversy

• Description: The power plant has been criticised for its high greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental impact. Reports from environmental organisations indicate that Turów emits some of the highest amounts of CO2 in Poland, raising concerns about the future of coal-fired power generation in the context of global climate change