PSE announced a project to develop the Polish network worth PLN 64 billion
PSE, the operator of Poland’s electricity transmission system, has unveiled a draft new network development plan spanning from 2025 to 2034. This plan by Polish Power Grids encompasses several significant investments, including the construction of 4,850 kilometers of new 400 kV line tracks, the establishment of 28 new stations, and the modernization of 110 existing stations. Additionally, there are plans for an onshore direct current line. However, the flagship project within this plan is the construction of a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connection linking the north and south of Poland. This connection aims to facilitate the transmission of power from new generation sources to consumers, alleviating strain on the current transmission network.
The project also considers the ongoing transformations in Poland’s National Power Grid, including the increasing electrification of transportation and heating sectors, as well as the emergence of new large energy consumers. These changes are expected to lead to a significant rise in electricity demand and the power available in the power system.
Grzegorz Onichimowski, the new president of the management board at PSE, emphasized that the implementation of the projects outlined in the PRSP (Polish Power Grids Strategic Plan) is a crucial aspect of Poland’s energy transition. These planned investments are seen as a response to the dynamic changes in the energy landscape and will help prepare the network to meet future demands. Ultimately, they aim to support Poland in achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The network is being prepared to accommodate energy from both renewable sources and nuclear power.
The upgraded transmission network will facilitate the connection of new generating units, encompassing both nuclear and renewable energy sources, along with energy storage facilities. In total, it will enable the extraction of approximately 18 GW of power from offshore wind farms, 45 GW from photovoltaic power plants, and over 19 GW from wind farms. Moreover, it will support the connection of a nuclear power plant in Pomerania, the deployment of small nuclear reactors (SMRs), and the implementation of the hydrogen strategy.
The company asserts that the scope of planned works presented in the project was meticulously prepared based on comprehensive technical and economic analyses. These objectives represent a continuation and expansion of activities outlined in previous plans, particularly those from the 2023-2032 edition. Consultations on the project will continue until April 5 of this year, following which the document will be submitted to the president of the Energy Regulatory Office. The estimated cost of implementing this development plan is approximately PLN 64 billion.