The 200-metre chimney at the Siekierki CHP plant in Warsaw will be dismantled: work starts in November

According to Orlen Termika, dismantling of the 200-metre E3 chimney at the Siekierki CHP plant — the oldest on the site — will begin in early November 2026. It was built in 1974; the 200 m structure with 7 white-and-red stripes was one of the most recognisable landmarks of southern Warsaw for more than half a century. The decision is down to its age and technical condition: E3 last operated in February 2026 and was officially decommissioned in June.

E3’s role has been taken over by a new 65 m steel chimney — more than three times lower, with a modern flue gas discharge system designed for current and future environmental requirements.

There will be no explosion or spectacular collapse: a robot will cut and crush the shaft from the top, with the debris falling inside the chimney and being removed through an opening at the base. The chimney will get shorter week by week; the work is scheduled to be completed in April 2027. The contractor is Hope Group Sp. z o.o., which specialises in industrial demolition.