One of the most unusual lakes in Poland is to be created at the site where the country’s largest lignite mine operated for decades. Once the Bełchatów deposits have ceased to be exploited, the area will be transformed into an artificial reservoir, which is expected to be the deepest in the country. Beaches, marinas and recreational facilities are planned around it. At the same time, the construction of a nuclear power plant is being considered in the same region, raising questions about whether the two investments can operate side by side. The Belchatow lake is expected to significantly boost local tourism.
The mine will turn into a resort
The Bełchatów lignite mine has for years remained a symbol of the Polish energy industry, as well as the largest opencast mine of its kind in Europe. Mining is carried out on two fields: Bełchatów and Szczerców. The former will cease operations as early as 2026, while the latter has a concession until 2038, although it is possible that work will end earlier. Once the open pits are closed, a spectacular reclamation is planned. Plans call for a reservoir with a maximum depth of around 170 metres, 70 metres more than Lake Hańcza, currently the deepest in Poland. PGE has been referring to the project as the ‘Bełchatów Masuria’ for several years, promising that the site will attract masses of tourists and sailors.
The lake in Bełchatów – preparations
The first works started back in 2020, when the shoreline on the eastern side was shaped and the area for the future beach was marked out. The Bełchatów quarry itself is currently about 245 metres deep and is gradually being backfilled with overburden from the Szczerców Field. Ultimately, it is to be shallowened to around 190 metres, and the lake itself will reach a depth of around 170 metres. Once the reclamation of the slopes has been completed, the slow filling of the pit with water will begin. The process will involve reducing the drainage system and diverting surface and groundwater into the pit. In the future, the Szczerców Field will also be flooded and the two reservoirs may be merged into one.
A nuclear power plant next to a lake?
Parallel to the reclamation plans, another project has emerged that could dramatically change the face of the region. Belchatow is one of two sites being considered for Poland’s second nuclear power plant. Alongside Konin, it is the area around the current conventional power plant that the government’s nuclear power programme indicates. PGE GiEK and the local authorities emphasise that a nuclear investment would be an opportunity for jobs and economic development in the region after the closure of the coal mine and power plant. Preliminary analyses, completed in August, indicate that Belchatow meets the criteria needed for such a project.
Water for the lake and for the atom
One of the key questions remains the availability of water. It is this that will be needed both to fill the lake and to cool the potential nuclear power plant. PGE assures, however, that there is enough resource. The dewatering of the still active mine currently yields 5.5 m³ of water per second, of which 2-3 m³/s could be used for the atom and the rest for reclamation. In addition, the company has reserves in the form of water intakes on the Warta River and in Bronisławów. According to PGE representatives, the simultaneous implementation of both projects is possible and does not threaten a conflict over water resources.
Lake in Bełchatów and future prospects
The filling of the Bełchatów reservoirs with water may not begin until after 2050, when all mining works in the Szczerców Field have been completed. However, this date remains indicative as it depends on a number of factors, including the rate of mining.
Source: portalsamorzadowy.pl, ddbelchatow.pl
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