Radio Maryja founder says geothermal energy project ‘a success’

Father Rydzyk – who has often found himself in hot water with the Vatican, which says he must refrain from making interventions into Poland’s political scene - has set in motion a major project to harness geothermal energy in the vicinity of Torun, northern Poland.

Rydzyk hopes to use the energy for his Polonia Centre in Tertio Millenio, a vast complex which includes a fairyland style church, aqua park and hotels.

The site adjoins the College of Social and Media Culture, an establishment run by the Redemptorist Order of which he is a member. Rydzyk is rector of the school.

Rydzyk says that the drilling project is on course for great things.

“Specialists say that it is not only the greatest in Poland, but also worldwide,” he is quoted in the Gazeta Wyborcza daily as saying.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk froze investment that had been promised by the previous Law and Justice government, after it fell from power in 2007.

Rydzyk commented at a conference at the European Parliament building in Brussels on renewable energy that Poland was like “a totalitarian state”.

Hot water from the springs will be used in part for the Polonia Centre's spa. However, some of the geothermal energy is due to be resold.

The work is being carried out by a branch of the Polish Petroleum and Gas Mining company PGNiG. Rydzyk has not confirmed how much the project will cost, but he envisages that the process could last three years. (nh/pg)