4,000 new power plants in Poland? “There is huge potential in water”

We will support investors who want to build small hydropower plants to accelerate these investments, which are important for state security, announced Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak. He pointed out that such power plants could generate 655 MW of energy.

– There is huge potential in water. In the current geopolitical situation, water is an extremely important element of state security – said Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak during a press briefing organized as part of the Forum4Water conference. He noted that energy can be produced from water, which can significantly contribute to improving the country's energy security and to “a good energy mix.”

– We selected 4,000. places where small hydroelectric power plants can be installed. These are already functioning places, weirs, water steps, which are ready for investment. Whether it is a State Treasury company, a local government or another non-public entity, they could, in cooperation with Wody Polskie (PGW Wody Polskie), implement a project aimed at producing clean energy from water. According to our preliminary calculations, everything indicates that we could use these 4,000 points to generate 655 MW of energy – Klimczak said.

He emphasized that the ministry and Polish Waters provide assistance to investors. – All entities interested in installing small hydroelectric power plants in these 4,000 points, we invite you to cooperate. To start with, we want to organize consultation meetings in 11 places in our country – added the minister. He pointed out that support for potential investors interested in building small hydropower plants would concern administrative activities related to procedures. – So that this type of investment can be carried out as quickly as possible – said Klimczak, adding that two such meetings have been organized so far in Wrocław and Gliwice.

Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka emphasized that in the matter of small hydropower plants, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy is joining forces with the experience of Polish Waters.

He conveyed that The Ministry of Energy estimates the total potential of hydroelectric power plants in Poland at 1 GW. The minister pointed out that energy raw materials are becoming more expensive due to the global crisis on the fuel market. – This shows how important it is to become independent from the supply of raw materials and technology. We need to produce as much energy as possible in Poland, in Europe. And small hydroelectric power plants (…) pumped-storage power plants – the most effective energy storage facilities, in which State Treasury companies also invest, are the answer to these challenges – emphasized Motyka.

He also responded to journalists' questions about cooperation with the Ministry of Climate and Environment in connection with this 4 thousand list sites designated for small wind farms aroused opposition from naturalists.

– Any changes will be introduced in full compliance with the Ministry of Climate and Environment. I don't think anyone can imagine that we will carry out any investments against the law, against the environment, against common sense – assured Motyka.

He emphasized, however, that the issue of energy security, or stable energy supplies and producing it at the lowest possible cost, is today a priority from the point of view of the Polish raison d'état.

When asked whether the ministry would encourage State Treasury companies to accelerate investments also in pumped-storage power plants, Motyka replied: – We are talking to the companies about this; with Turon regarding its investments on Lake Rożnowskie and Polska Grupa Energetyczna (Młoty pumped-storage power plant). However, the main determinant is, of course, the investment costs and the mechanism of possible support. This is what we are talking about today, said the Minister of Energy. (PAP)

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