The program presented by JSW assumes industrialization and revitalization of the sites as well as the facilities of the former Krupiński mine in Suszec. It has been developed by experts and partners based on an analysis of the capabilities and needs of the region, technological challenges of the 21st century, corporate social responsibility and active participation in the innovation program. The revitalization program perfectly matches the Government’s strategy for responsible development.
- The Krupiński mine project evokes a lot of emotions. I would like to thank the JSW and JSW Innowacje Management Boards for their professional approach to the revitalization of the site. The Management Board presents an ambitious mining program, according to which Krupiński will be the best developed post-mining area in the world. The program is beautiful and, looking at the broad interest, I believe it will be implemented. Also the European Commission speaks about funds for development of post-mining areas. This ambitious revitalization shows that you can look at Silesia in a different way; this could be a new economic opening for your post-mining areas. I wish you luck, especially because there are confirmed opportunities regarding the economic and business status. I am optimistic about the future – said Krzysztof Tchórzewski, Energy Minister.
Still before the end of this year, thanks to the investments made by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe in the Suszec area the first 50 jobs will be created. JZR plans to build a modern production and warehouse complex at the site of the former mine, combined with production of machinery, equipment and tool plants for the needs of mines in Poland and abroad. These will include, among others, such elements as: rails for suspended railways, rollers, main pipelines, scraper conveyors and powered support sections. Capital expenditures are estimated at PLN 60 million. The production and warehouse complex could be built by 2022. One of the projects assumes also development of a service and logistics center by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe from the JSW group.
- Our program makes a comprehensive use of the potential, expertise and experience of the people and companies from the region, with active participation of industrial players, both from Poland and abroad. It fits within the “JSW Development Strategy for 2018-2030”, which assumes, among others, the development of the JSW Group using innovative technologies based on coking coal and its by-products. Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa has a moral duty to take on the responsibility for the site of the former mine. Preparing a comprehensive program for development of the 70 hectares remaining after the mine, we create new quality and jobs, and all the projects have sound economic background – emphasizes Daniel Ozon – President of the Jastrzebska Spolka Weglowa Management Board.
The huge assets are the location of the site and the well-developed road infrastructure as well as the human capital. The flagship project is to be the factory manufacturing hydrogen cells used in electromobility.
- Hydrogen is the fuel of the future. Market forecasts for European Union countries point to a 17 percent increase in demand for hydrogen by 2025. This is related to the plans to construct 2,000 hydrogen filling stations throughout Europe. Independent projections show that by 2030, the value of the hydrogen-powered vehicle market will increase to USD 25,000 million and, by approx. 2050, the share of vehicles powered by hydrogen cells will be approx. 50 percent – explains Daniel Ozon.
Program of revitalization of the former mine site and development of a carbon fiber factory from coking process by-products – The increase in demand for carbon cells in the automotive industry is associated with the need to reduce the weight of the vehicles, and consequently, reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in the demand for carbon fibers will be the most intensive in the automotive industry and in aviation – says Tadeusz Wenecki, JSW Innowacje President.
The program also includes a concept to build a pumped-storage power plant.
The ambitious project AUTOMOTIV of the JSW Group provides for construction of an electric bus production line, including hydrogen-powered buses, and construction of a production line for a small electric delivery van. Earlier on, in mid-June this year, at the IMPACT`18 conference, JSW and PKP Cargo signed a letter of intent on analyses and future production of new types of hydrogen-powered wagons and maneuvering locomotives with hydrogen drives.
The location of the former Krupiński mine allows for development of an energy and heat self-sufficient housing estate with geothermal solutions, which fits the Government’s Apartment Plus program. The housing estate development program, however, depends of the results of geothermal tests and PSPP construction plans.
Another solution is the Innovation Park. The project will comprise supporting the development of start-up initiatives dedicated mainly to investors operating in the Suszec township and its vicinity.
Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa also has a number of ideas associated with energy projects under the name “ZIELONA DOLINA” (Green Valley). They provide for construction of, among others: an underground gas tank, PV farm installation, electric vehicle charging station, thermal energy store, and European Small Methane Energy Center.
There are a number of examples of post-mining areas which have been adapted to accommodate different functions: both economic and tourist-and-cultural. The sites and facilities of the former Krupiński mine have a huge potential and may focus on big industrial projects, which will become the centers of unique business ecosystems.
During the grand presentation of the program, seven letters of intent were signed, among others between JSW and entities which can see the potential of cooperation on the revitalization of the former mine, and a founding professorship with the Chemnitz University of Technology.