The government focuses on liberalizing law for wind power plants, but energy storage from RES remains a challenge

The Polish government has announced plans to introduce new regulations aimed at simplifying the process of locating land-based wind power plants. The proposed amendments include abolishing the 10H rule, setting minimum distances from protected areas, and streamlining the investment planning process. Although these changes could accelerate the development of wind energy, there’s serious concern that issues related to the storage of renewable energy are being overlooked.

On the one hand, these new regulations could mean lower electric bills due to cheaper renewable energy. On the other hand, if the issue of energy storage is not addressed, Poles may experience problems with unstable energy supplies that could seriously affect their daily lives, such as power cuts or fluctuating price of electricity. Additionally, planned investments might affect the value of properties located near wind turbines.

The Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs (FPE) warns that without the appropriate solutions for energy storage, the rapid development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) may lead to difficulties with its efficient usage. The issue of surplus energy storage is becoming increasingly pressing, both in Poland and across Europe.

– The new regulations could contribute to a significant increase in the number of wind installations, but the question of where we’re going to store the produced energy remains unanswered. The proposed regulations lack solutions that support the development of RES energy storage infrastructure. Technologies such as pumped-storage hydroelectricity plants are proven solutions that have been known for over 100 years and could perfectly complement the government’s plans – emphasizes Marek Kowalski, Chairman of the FPE.

It’s worth noting that in the context of the Blue Deal, which has a budget close to 400 billion euros, considerable investments in water infrastructure are forecasted and effective energy storage will be crucial for achieving European climate goals. Hydropower is the main source of renewable energy in global electricity production, providing over 70% of the resources.

One promising solution includes modern pumped-storage power plants that can operate even in challenging geographical conditions, by using tanks filled with a fluid that has 2.5 times the density of water. This technology allows effective energy storage even on low elevations, significantly increasing the potential of these power plants in Poland.

Investments related to the construction of new pumped-storage hydroelectricity plants with a total power of 2.5 GW are planned in Poland, which are expected to strengthen the national power system. Noteworthy projects include the Tolkmicko Power Station, the Młoty Power Station and the Rożnów II Power Station, standing at the heart of new investments in this area. Despite the grand scale of these projects, it’s worth noting that thanks to modern technology, it is also possible to build smaller units of these power plants that function excellently in local conditions.

Tomasz Wojtczak, Managing Director of Amiblu in Poland, said: – Poland has suitable locations for the construction of pumped-storage hydroelectricity plants, especially in mountainous regions such as the Sudetes or the Carpathians. We should also consider using the height difference in closed hard coal mines. The post-mining voids can serve not only as ESP reservoirs but also support land reclamation and create new jobs.

The governmental act from April 2023, that simplifies the investment procedures for pumped-storage hydroelectricity plants, has come under criticism. Although it aims to accelerate the implementation of such projects, it also carries the risk of social and environmental conflicts, as it simplifies expropriation and assigns investments in public utility status. The lack of appropriate regulations regarding energy storage may hinder the realization of these investments.

Marek Kowalski, Chairman of the FPE, underscores: – Currently, there are up to 165 ESP projects being implemented in the UK and Ireland. The Scottish government recently approved the construction of an underground pumped-storage hydroelectricity plant with 600 MW of power and valued at 500 million pounds. Poland should follow this path for effective competition in the energy market and to secure the future of our power system.

There’s an ongoing intensive discussion throughout Europe about effective energy storage methods, especially in the context of EU regulations concerning RES as part of the updated Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The new laws that came into effect in November 2023 aim to increase the share of RES in total energy consumption to at least 42.5% by 2030, with the goal of even achieving 45% within the same timeframe. Under these regulations, member states will have to establish national limits and promote the development of renewable energy production and storage infrastructure.

This is a pivotal moment for Poland to focus on modern energy storage technologies that can ensure stable supplies and energy efficiency. The Federation urges the government to take a comprehensive approach to energy issues without clear regulations concerning RES energy storage. Poland may encounter difficulties in achieving climate and energy objectives, falling behind other countries that are already implementing advanced solutions in this field.

The above issues will be discussed at the Blue Deal Congress on September 24, 2024, at the Sheraton Warsaw Hotel. During the Congress, key decision-makers from Europe, representatives of the business world and NGO workers will also discuss the most effective actions and solutions in terms of water management. Among the congress’ guests will be the Minister of Infrastructure, Dariusz Klimczak, and representative of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Miłosz Motyka.