PGE Polska Grupa Energeticzna has just put into operation the largest gas power plant in Poland and one of the most modern in Europe. The 1366 MW unit is located in Gryfino in Western Pomerania. It will supply 1.4 GW to the grid, thereby covering approximately 5% of the national demand for electricity, ensuring supplies for around 3 million households. “This is a very important investment in terms of national security and a tangible example that the energy transformation is ongoing,” says Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment, Miłosz Motyka.
“This is the most modern combined cycle power plant in Poland and one of the most modern in Europe, which will stabilize the power system as the share of renewable sources increases”, says Dariusz Marzec, President of the Board of PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna in an interview with the Newseria Biznes agency.
PGE Gryfino Dolna Odra consists of two gas-steam blocks No. 9 and 10, each with a capacity of 683 MW, which will replace the old, worn-out, and inefficient coal-fired units in the Dolna Odra Power Plant. The new power plant output has a 17-year contract in the capacity market auction, which will be in force from 2024.
“In the ongoing energy transformation in Poland, gas-steam blocks guarantee flexibility and stability. Today, as we have more and more energy generation from renewable sources, wind and solar, we need such blocks that are quickly called upon and sufficiently large. And we have such an investment in Gryfino. It will ensure energy security not only regionally, but also throughout Poland,” says Miłosz Motyka.
PGE Gryfino Dolna Odra is the largest and most efficient power plant of this type in Poland. The new gas-steam blocks are 63% efficient (over 70% higher compared to old coal-fired units). It takes this plant only 4 hours to start from a cold state to a technical minimum, and 30 minutes from a hot state to a technical minimum. Thanks to its ability for quick start-ups and flexible operation, the new unit will be able to assist in stabilizing the power grid and optimizing the use of variable production of energy from renewable sources.
“Weather-dependent, renewable sources of energy need a system that will support them, and this is possible thanks to gas power plants. Therefore, this investment is so important because it will ensure energy security and stabilize the system,” says Miłosz Motyka.
“Gas investments are a very important element of the energy transition and achieving climate neutrality. We are continuously expanding the RES system, which, however, also requires stable energy sources operating at the base. At the moment, there are no more flexible capacities than gas capacities,” underlines Robert Kropiwnicki, Secretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets.
He points out that in the long-term perspective, the ongoing energy transformation is an opportunity for Polish households for cheaper electricity. In 2023, Poland was generating 61% of electricity from coal, but it is expected that this share will be significantly reduced in favor of gas, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources, along with the active development of offshore wind power.
“The most important challenge is to lower energy prices, and this is only possible due to the energy transformation. We need to switch to green energy sources and incorporate them into the system. The most urgent tasks in the near future are the construction of combined cycle units, increasing wind power, both onshore and offshore, as well as photovoltaics. Of course, there is also the issue of nuclear power, which is also being developed,” says Robert Kropiwnicki.
The gas units have been designed to meet the most restrictive emission limits resulting from the EU’s BAT conclusions. Emission of dust and sulfur oxides will be almost eliminated, significantly improving air quality in the region. The emission rate of the new power plant is about 330 g CO2 per kWh of electricity, which is almost three times lower than the coal-fired units of Dolna Odra Power Plant.
The investment in Gryfino is also in line with PGE’s strategy for the decarbonization of generation assets.
“This is the first significant element of PGE Group’s new business segment, which is the generation of electricity from the lowest emission fuel currently available: natural gas,” says Dariusz Marzec.
The project, worth over PLN 3.7 billion (net), was implemented by PGE, and the contract was executed by the consortium of GE Vernova and Polimex Mostostal. Steam turbines and generators for the power plant were manufactured in Polish factories in Elbląg and Wrocław. In addition to the basic power plant equipment, delivered under the “turnkey” formula, GE Vernova will provide comprehensive service under a 12-year service contract.
“The share of Polish components in this investment is well over 50%,” emphasizes the president of PGE.
