Poland’s PGE Group has commissioned the country’s largest gas-fired power plant, PGE Gryfino Dolna Odra, boasting a capacity of 1,366 megawatts (MW). Located in Gryfino, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, this modern facility is set to enhance regional energy security by supplying over 5% of the nation’s electricity demand.
Importance of Gas Investments
“Gas investments play a crucial role in energy transformation and achieving climate neutrality,” stated Robert Kropiwnicki, Deputy Minister of State Assets. He emphasized that while Poland continues to expand its renewable energy sources, stable energy options are essential for complementing this growth. Currently, gas is regarded as the most flexible energy source available, ensuring the security and stability of the national energy system while facilitating further renewable energy development.
Features of the New Power Plant
“The commissioning of this plant completes the construction of the most modern and largest gas-fired power station in Poland,” said Dariusz Marzec, President of the Management Board of PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna. The new gas units will replace outdated coal-fired units at the Dolna Odra Power Plant, aligning with PGE Group’s decarbonization strategy and enhancing Poland’s energy security for over 3 million households.
Key features of the PGE Gryfino Dolna Odra plant include:
- Two gas-steam units: Each with a gross capacity of 683 MW.
- High efficiency: The plant’s nominal efficiency exceeds 63%, significantly higher than the old coal-fired units.
- Rapid start-up time: It can reach technical minimum in just 4 hours from a cold state and 30 minutes from a hot state, making it adaptable to market demands.
Environmental Impact
Designed to meet stringent emission standards, the plant will significantly reduce dust and sulfur oxides emissions, improving air quality in the region. Its CO2 emission rate is approximately 330 grams per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of generated electricity—nearly three times lower than the previous coal-fired units.
Investment and Future Outlook
The new power plant’s capacity is secured through a 17-year contract in the capacity market auction, starting in 2024. The investment, valued at over 3.7 billion złoty (approximately 855.3 million euros), was carried out by PGE Group, with the contract awarded to a consortium led by GE Vernova and Polimex Mostostal.
Conclusion
The commissioning of PGE Gryfino Dolna Odra marks a significant milestone in Poland’s energy landscape, facilitating the transition to cleaner energy sources while ensuring stable and secure energy supplies for its citizens.
