CETEF'24 STRATEGIC PARTNER
Polskie Sieci
Elektroenergetyczne S.A.
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne, the Polish transmission system operator, is at the center of the ongoing energy transition. It is driven by three major trends: decarbonization, decentralization and digitalization. For decades, the power system was based on large dispatchable units whose operation was quite easily predictable and controllable. This situation, however, substantially envolves with renewables now accounting for nearly half of all capacity in the national power system. It is necessary to observe distributed resources, a large part of which are not connected to the transmission grid, but to the distribution network. Generation forecasting becomes a real challenge.
We observe periods of excess of generation over demand, as well as hours by dispatchable sources. Their number, in turn, a large proportion of existing coal-fired units, which are to be restricted due to economic or technical reasons. As a result, operator faces the challenge of ensuring observability and controllability of the system, as well as the sufficiency of generation due – the need for sources to ensure the production of electricity, due to weather conditions, the supply from RES is too low. Therefore PSE have introduced the so-called “capacity market”. That secures payments for power plants for their willingness to operate.
PSE are constantly improving its system management processes. Changes in market operations are an important part of that process. In June 2024, we introduced balancing market reform, recognized as a milestone in reflecting the system status though process in technical market to spur economic momentum for better forecasting of source operation and demand.
Transformation is also about new sources and new customer needs. Adapting to these changes requires restructuring of the grid. We plan to spend ca. PLN 70 billion, during next 10 years only, on building new lines and substations and upgrading existing facilities. We prepare to evacuate power from offshore wind farms, whose capacity in 2040 could reach as much as 18 GW. New lines in the north of the country, will also serve to transmit power from the nuclear plant are required. We prepare the system for intensive development of RES and energy storage – according to investors’ plans the capacity of onshore wind farms will increase to nearly 19 GW, photovoltaics to 52 GW, and storage to more than 31 GW by the end of this decade.
Visit https://inwestycje.pse.pl/ to read more about PSE’s investments.
