
AI-generated summary
The Bełchatów mine has been extracting brown coal for years. Last week, the Bełchatów starosta issued a decision regarding the recultivation of post-mining areas after the end of mining in the Pole Bełchatów open-pit mine, which is expected to be completed later this year.
There is a lignite mine in Bełchatów. In the open pit known as Pole Bełchatów, mining is expected to end this year (in the neighboring one, called Szczerców, it is expected to continue for another decade).
Last week, the Starosta of Bełchatów issued a decision specifying the directions for the recultivation of post-mining areas. This was requested by the Bełchatów Mine. The PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Conventiononalna concern, to which it belongs, called the staroste's decision the "first formal administrative document" that states what will happen to the Pole Bełchatów excavation after the end of mining.
The largest recreational water and forest complex in central Poland is to be built in the place where the mine currently operates. "The concept assumes the creation of a water reservoir in the final excavation with an area of 1,556 ha, and forest reclamation in the surrounding areas of 410 ha," writes PGE.
The company boasts that the Bełchatów Mine has so far reclaimed over 2,300 ha, of which 1,750 ha of forested land has been transferred to the State Forests.
PGE combines plans to build a huge reservoir with the possible development of nuclear energy in the Bełchatów region. An "efficient" mine drainage system together with surface water would provide the water necessary to cool reactors, both large and small (so-called SMR).
Beaches, a marina and even a sunken excavator for divers
The transformation of the Bełchatów mine with a view to future changes in functions began several years ago. At the end of 2020, the formation of the shoreline on the eastern side of the excavation was completed and the area for the future beach was prepared. Currently, among others slopes are formed to make them gentler and safer.
The open pit is as much as 310 meters deep at its deepest point, but the lake itself is to be approximately 170 meters deep.
The artificial reservoir in the heart of Poland will be full of attractions - beaches, a marina for yachts, an artificial waterway and a sunken excavator that can be explored by divers.
However, we will have to wait a while for everything. Once the formation of the lowest level of the excavation, which is ongoing today, is completed, drainage will gradually be limited.
According to the estimates of the PGE GiEK concern, the process of filling the workings with water will begin immediately after the completion of earthworks. However, the whole project will last from 17 to 19 years. This means that the first effects of the spectacular transformation will only be visible in the 2040s.
Lakes that were created from former mines include: Tarnobrzeg Lake in Tarnobrzeg or eight reservoirs in the Konin Basin in Greater Poland.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The process of filling the Bełchatów mine workings with water will begin immediately after the completion of earthworks and will last from 17 to 19 years.
Very likely · Within years
The first effects of the spectacular transformation of the Bełchatów mine into a recreational water and forest complex will only be visible in the 2040s.
Very likely · Within years

The Polish delegation canceled its participation in the World Petroleum Council Energy Congress in Riyadh due to the attacks on the airport. Minister Motyka emphasized the importance of cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar for Poland's energy security in the face of tensions in the Middle East.

On Tuesday, October 13, drivers will pay more for gasoline. A 95 liter can cost up to PLN 7.06, and a 98 liter can cost up to PLN 7.95. Diesel oil will become slightly cheaper to PLN 8.02 per liter. This is part of the CPN package limiting price increases.

The potential impact of Hurricane Isaias in the US coincides with the lowest level of strategic oil reserves since 1982 and refinery operation at peak speed, which poses a risk to the energy sector.

During the weekend and on Monday, maximum fuel prices in Poland will increase. A liter of 95 petrol will cost up to PLN 6.97, 98 petrol - PLN 7.85, and diesel oil - up to PLN 8.06. This is part of the third installment of the Lower Fuel Prices package.

Refueling will be more expensive. On Friday, a liter of 95 petrol will cost up to PLN 6.90, 98 - PLN 7.77, and diesel - PLN 7.82 as part of the Lower Fuel Prices package valid until the end of the year.

On Thursday, maximum fuel prices will drop: EU95 petrol will cost PLN 6.83, EU98 petrol will cost PLN 7.71 and diesel will cost PLN 7.74. This is the result of the third installment of the Lower Fuel Prices package, introduced after the signing of the Act on Extraordinary Profits Tax.