The capacity of low carbon gas fueled electricity generation and cogeneration units in Poland is expected to reach 4000 MW in the coming years. Investments in such technologies are considered by key Polish energy companies: PGE, Energa, Tauron, PGNiG Termika and PKN Orlen.
PGE, a CEEP member, has recently announced the opening of a tender for production of two gas fired units of 700 MW capacity each for Dolna Odra power plant, in the first quarter of 2019. If realized, that would be the biggest installation in the EU of this kind. Such units were certified to be eligible for the capacity auctions within the newly introduced capacity mechanism in Poland, which proves the advantageous impact of the capacity market on the transition toward a low-carbon economy. PGE has also plans to construct several other gas cogeneration units which are supposed to replace old coal units.
With an energy-mix so far dependent on hard coal and lignite, gas is a bridging fuel which helps to decarbonize and facilitate the introduction of more renewable energy sources into the system. The construction of new gas power plants will as well generate new jobs. This is also in line with the ambitious gas diversification plans that include the extension of LNG terminal in Swinoujscie and the construction of the Baltic Pipe, allowing direct access to the Norwegian gas deposits.
source: PGE, wysokienapiecie.pl