“Tauron decided to build an open combustion cycle gas unit (OCGT) with a capacity of approximately 600 MWe“, the state-owned company said in a statement.
It also indicated that in the capacity market auction for 2030 it obtained no less than 537,973 MW of capacity obligation.
This is the OCGT Jaworzno project, which won the capacity market auction, obtaining support for 2030. The decision to build it is – as the company emphasizes – another step towards strengthening the national power system. Over the entire duration of the 15-year capacity contract, the unit will generate revenues of up to PLN 4,127.68 million.
Tauron is building a power plant. How does it work?
You could say that Tauron is building a large, backup gas power generator that is designed to respond quickly to fluctuations in the supply of energy from wind and solar. This is not the main, constantly operating power plant, but a “fireman” that comes on only in emergency situations to ensure the stability of the electricity supply.
“Fast start-up, high availability and the ability to perform emergency work make OCGT units a natural complement to the energy mix.which includes uncontrollable energy sources, such as photovoltaic installations or wind turbines. OCGT Jaworzno will play the role of a modern system stabilizer, increasing the resistance of the National Energy System to generation variability, supporting further, safe development of low-emission energy,” we read in the release.
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“The Jaworzno Power Plant is becoming a strategic center for the development of modern energy technologies in Poland. The location is being transformed into an advanced technological hub where modern coal solutions, an innovative heat source and a gas block will be used,” comments Grzegorz Lot, president of Tauron.
Tauron's new power plant. Her work will be limited
“From an economic perspective, OCGT technology offers favorable implementation and operational conditions – lower investment outlays, shorter construction time and simpler technical architecture which translates into both reduced entry costs and reduced unit maintenance costs,” adds Michał Orłowski, vice-president responsible for asset management and development at Tauron.
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An important feature of the planned unit is the fact that her work will be limited to a maximum average of 1,500 hours per year. This means that OCGT Jaworzno will be launched primarily in situations when the system particularly needs flexible support – during periods of low generation from renewable energy sources or sudden changes in demand.
“The unit will ensure continuity of work, maintaining jobs and will operate in the capacity market for a minimum of 15 yearsguaranteeing energy security and stability of supplies during the transformation period, he emphasizes Paweł Micułapresident of Tauron Wytwarzanie.
According to estimated market benchmarks, the cost of implementing an OCGT unit is 2-3 million per MW.
