Record solar energy production in Poland
The operator of the national energy system has recently reported a groundbreaking achievement in the production of electricity from Polish photovoltaic power plants. This milestone represents the highest-ever recorded power output from solar energy sources in Poland, reaching an impressive capacity of nearly 2 gigawatts (GW). This remarkable accomplishment highlights the growing significance of solar energy in the country’s energy landscape.
Statement of the Polish Power Grids
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE), the operator of the Polish power system, recently shared significant news on Twitter regarding the energy production estimates for February 22, 2021. Preliminary data indicates that Polish photovoltaic power plants achieved an extraordinary energy production milestone on that day, which is likely to be remembered for a considerable time.
According to the data collected, on Monday, February 22, 2021, the average electricity production from solar energy sources was an impressive 1,935.7 megawatt-hours (MWh) between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Moreover, there was a momentary peak in generation, reaching a remarkable 1,952 MWh at 11:45 a.m. Experts attribute this remarkable achievement to the investment surge witnessed in the Polish PV market in 2020. It serves as concrete evidence of the increasing adoption of solar energy. This trend is further supported by more detailed statistics. Additionally, the documentation underscores that the operations of photovoltaic power plants and wind power plants complement each other, highlighting the synergy in renewable energy production.
Demand and production volume from photovoltaics
On February 22, 2021, the data regarding solar energy production is as follows: Before 12:00 p.m., the total power demand was 23,119 megawatt-hours (MWh). Remarkably, this demand was entirely met, and the contribution of electricity generated from photovoltaic sources accounted for an impressive 8.3% of this coverage. This represents a highly favorable outcome.
The demand for electricity was even higher earlier that day, around 9:00 a.m., surpassing 23,630 MWh. Photovoltaic power plants began operations two hours earlier, and their energy production during those hours was as follows: 9.4 MWh (between 7:00 and 8:00), 360.2 MWh (between 8:00 and 9:00), 894 MWh (between 9:00 and 10:00), and 1,373 MWh (between 10:00 and 11:00). Given their capacity exceeding 1 GW, photovoltaic power plants could sustain operations until approximately 3:00 p.m. However, energy production significantly declined in the evening hours, primarily due to weather conditions and the reduced amount of sunlight reaching Polish soil during that time of day and year.
The growing importance of solar energy in the energy system
Poland’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformation towards a more environmentally friendly system, with a strong emphasis on reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This shift is made possible by the increasing presence of solar energy and other renewable sources in Poland’s overall energy mix. According to statistical data, by the end of the previous year, the combined installed capacity of all power plants in Poland had surpassed 50 gigawatts (GW). Notably, 12 GW of this capacity is attributed to renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar power plants.
In the case of photovoltaics, it’s noteworthy that photovoltaic micro-installations owned by single-family homeowners are prevalent. Consequently, Poland now boasts an installed solar capacity of up to 4 GW. The proliferation of solar microstations can be largely attributed to government support, particularly in the form of investment subsidies. This ongoing development underscores Poland’s commitment to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Sources:
https://www.gramwzdrowie.pl/energia-sloneczna/104849/polska-fotowoltaika-wczoraj-pokazala-moc
globenergia.pl/padl-nowy-rekord-generacji-energii-elektryczna-w-fotowoltaice-19357-mwh/