Anna Biłek-Gorzkiewicz: Energy security and the future of the industry

We talk to Anna Biłek-Gorzkiewicz, company manager at PRO-MAC

The rapidly evolving energy landscape in Europe has paved the way for us to partner with fresh companies and venture into new markets. Over these 30 years of operation, we’ve amassed valuable experience and know-how. This expertise empowers us to embrace new opportunities and take on fresh challenges in the electrical industry.

The PRO-MAC company has extensive experience, operating in the industry for over 30 years. How do you evaluate the previous years of activity?

Having been a part of the energy market for so long, we’ve had the chance to watch it change and be a part of its exciting progress. Right from the beginning, our focus has been on making sure electricity is safe and dependable in places like factories, hospitals, and mines. Our deep understanding of designing and safeguarding isolated networks has let us take part in lots of interesting and innovative projects all over the country. We’re on a mission to make people aware of how crucial electrical safety is for everyone who uses these networks.

Recent years have shown us that we can also use our expertise to help make electric cars, solar power, and energy storage better. The fast growth of the energy field in Europe has given us the chance to team up with new companies and explore new markets. After three decades of working in this field, we’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge. Now, we’re excited to take on new challenges in the electrical industry using what we’ve learned along the way.

What is the range of services and products offered by your company?

We’ve been focused on safety and measuring electrical setups for a long time now. Our range of services includes tools for checking the insulation condition in places where having a reliable network is crucial – think operating rooms, mines, and public buildings. And for quite a while, you can spot our isometers in charging stations and even inside electric vehicles. On top of that, we offer equipment for measuring low-voltage and handy devices with disconnectors, perfect for industrial setups and special vehicles. Because our customers are facing more power quality issues, we’ve expanded our offerings this year with active filters to help address these challenges.

As time goes on, electrical systems are getting more usage and their behavior is shifting. This makes it even more important for us to focus on the safety of users and the dependability of the networks.

You mention the electrical safety of industrial and hospital networks and public buildings. What impacts this security the most and how can it be improved?

Over time, electrical systems are experiencing higher loads and their behaviors are evolving. This is why it’s becoming increasingly crucial to prioritize the safety of users and the dependability of the networks. Unfortunately, this aspect often gets overlooked due to a lack of awareness about the risks or a focus on short-term savings. A secure electrical setup is one that we keep a close eye on – that’s been our guiding principle for years.

As experts in the field, we understand that immediate action is needed for any changes in the network. However, without knowing what’s happening in our installation, we can’t prevent more significant breakdowns. This is why we’re dedicated to raising awareness among users and designers, helping them understand the importance of continuous monitoring for a safe and reliable electrical setup.

And do you take any additional actions to promote these standards and good practices?

We’ve been contributing to the industry by writing technical articles and actively engaging in conferences, training sessions, and fairs to share our expertise. We’re committed to sharing knowledge with others. Alongside our international partners, we play a role in shaping European standards and regulations that later get adapted for the Polish context. This allows us to fulfill our mission of enhancing the safety and dependability of electrical setups. Furthermore, we’re proud to impact the growth of the market for these solutions.

Your company cooperates with device manufacturers from several European countries. What are these countries and what is the cooperation like?

Throughout the years, we’ve proudly represented several top-notch electrical equipment manufacturers. Our journey began with collaboration with the renowned German company, Bender, a global leader in insulation monitoring.

As time went on, our portfolio grew to include measuring equipment from IME in Italy and Inepro from the Netherlands. We also introduced plug-in devices with disconnectors from the French giant, Marechal. More recently, we’ve teamed up with Turkey’s Elektra, a manufacturer that specializes in, among other things, active filters.

Our partners have been keenly observing the rapid development of Poland’s energy market. Our close and amicable collaboration allows us to glean insights from their expertise and bring innovative solutions to the Polish market.

Please show off the most interesting projects that you have made.

Our systems and devices find their way to some of the biggest companies in Poland. This list includes plants under the KGHM group, mines and coke plants linked to PGG, JSW, PGE, power plants and energy stations associated with PGE, Tauron, PGNiG, and PKP Energetyka, as well as chemical plants of the ORLEN group such as Petrochemia Płock and ANWIL. And the list doesn’t stop there – it extends to numerous other industrial facilities.

Among our recent standout projects, we provided an insulation control system and ground fault locator for one of Poland’s largest server rooms, which operates on DC400V. Over the past two years, we’ve partnered with ZPUE to furnish insulation control systems for many photovoltaic farms established all across the country. Additionally, we’ve been supplying our devices to major manufacturers of charging stations and electric vehicles for quite some time.

Is the industry immune to the crisis? Recent years have shown that it is! Following the common climate goal, Europe focuses on the development of new energy solutions, which in the future will be a great challenge for us, but also a great opportunity.

What does the future of the industry look like? Is it crisis-proof?

We firmly believe that the energy sector is poised for rapid growth. The rise of electromobility is a clear indicator, requiring robust electrical infrastructure and fresh energy sources.

Is the industry resistant to economic downturns? Recent years have certainly demonstrated its resilience. In alignment with shared climate objectives, Europe is prioritizing the advancement of innovative energy solutions. While this presents challenges, it also offers exciting prospects for us moving forward.

How is your company preparing for these new challenges? What do you think is key to success?

While there are many factors contributing to our success, we believe that people are at the core. It’s the dedication and hard work of our team that enables us to grow and take on increasingly ambitious endeavors. We’re fortunate to have an exceptional group of individuals within our company. Together, we’ve embarked on numerous projects over the years, fostering enduring connections with clients. This collaborative spirit empowers us to approach the future with a sense of openness and readiness for new horizons.

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PRO-MAC

For over three decades, PRO-MAC has been dedicated to ensuring the electrical safety of industrial and hospital networks, as well as public structures. In addition to our ongoing commitment to these areas, we’re venturing into new territories like electromobility, energy storage, and hydrogen energy. Our solutions are also making a significant impact in special vehicles. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a wealth of unique expertise in electrical safety, we stand out as a frontrunner in devising innovative solutions. We actively contribute to the standardization processes within the electrical industry and collaborate on projects alongside prominent energy market leaders. Representing device manufacturers from various European nations, we’re actively shaping a secure energy future for our country.