In 2022, Miskolc was announced as one of the 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, i.e., a mission that was announced by the European Commission. The goal is for the 100 cities to become climate neutral and intelligent until 2030 by operating as experimental and innovative centres (firstly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions).

 

Utilization of geothermal energy: One of the most outstanding projects implemented in Miskolc – even at Central European level – is a geothermal energy project. Miskolci Geotermia Zrt. won a HUF 1 billion grant with a European Union tender, which contributed to the implementation of the geothermal investment in the Miskolc-Mályi-Kistokaj area. In 2013 and 2014, a new era began in the district heating service of Miskolc, geothermal heat production appeared in the application of renewable energy, as a result of which the share of renewable energy in the district heating service of Miskolc exceeds 50%. This means that the value of CO2 emissions from heat production has been reduced by 40% compared to the 1990 base.

 

Construction of a 1 MW solar power plant: As a result of the investment, CO2 emissions in Miskolc will decrease by more than 1,000 tons annually. The modern solar power plant will be capable of over 90% rated power even after 15 years. The electricity generated by the solar power plant is transmitted to the institutions, which they use to the full, through the public electricity grid. The amount of energy produced by the solar power plant reduces the municipal electricity bill.

 

"Green" public transport: In Miskolc, public transport has also been completely transformed; in recent years it has become largely environmentally friendly. During the “Green Arrow” project, the tramway was renovated and a real-time passenger information system was set up. New, environmentally friendly gas-powered buses have replaced the obsolete vehicles of Miskolc Városi Közlekedési Zrt. (MVK). With the introduction of CNG-powered, i.e., compressed natural gas-powered buses, mostly low-floor, comfortable, air-conditioned buses, which also meet the EURO 6 environmental requirements, are available in Miskolc. Thanks to the new bus fleet, by 30 tonnes less NO2 is released into the air of Miskolc every year. Noise pollution has also been significantly reduced thanks to the new buses: the noise level of the CNG engine is much lower than that of similar diesel vehicles.

 

Biomass plant: A 3 MW biomass plant will be implemented within the framework of the greenfield investment for the project company established for the renewable energy-based supply of the district heating areas of Kilián and Dorottya Street. As a result of the investment, the heat production of several boiler houses was completely replaced. As a result of the investment, heat supplier MIHŐ Kft. provides natural gas firing only to cover the peak load for an outside temperature of approx. -2 ° C.

 

Biogas plant: The city-owned Biogas-Miskolc Kft. built the biogas plant at the wastewater treatment plant of Miskolc Waterworks (Mivíz) Kft., which employs ten people. The plant produces renewable green energy by utilizing locally processed sewage sludge, the system is suitable for the treatment and utilization of food waste, used cooking oil and fat, while providing good quality, natural-based soil improvement material to farmers in the area. Electricity and heat primarily reduce the operating costs of the water supply company, but at the same time it generates revenue for Biogas-Miskolc Kft. by selling electricity.

 

Landfill gas: In Miskolc, the plant utilizing landfill gas produced at the recultivated landfill on Bogáncs Street with a capacity of approx. 150 m3/h produces hot water for heating and domestic use, as well as electricity, as the gas engine is also connected to the electricity grid. Landfill gas is a significant greenhouse gas, so its energy use is a priority from an environmental point of view. As a result of the project, it has been providing district heating services with a biogas-fired boiler in the boiler house on Futó Street since 2009, and in 2010 biogas-based renewable electricity generation was also implemented.