Author: Joanna Wrzeszcz

Electrum Group, a leading Polish Climate Tech business, has commenced the construction of the BeGreen operated and Equinor owned Ingerslev Å solar park in Denmark. As part of strategic expansion into new markets, Electrum will construct a PV farm with a capacity of 65.4 MWp on an area exceeding 67 hectares. As the PV EPC, Electrum is responsible for building and installing over 100,000 photovoltaic panels and six transformer stations. This project will contribute to the sustainable development of renewable energy in Denmark. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2025.

BeGreen, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Norwegian energy company Equinor, is a leading provider of large-scale solar parks and certified green energy. BeGreen’s business approach is based on the principle of 360-degree sustainable development, ensuring that each project is carried out with long-term benefits for the environment, local communities, and the economy.

Electrum and BeGreen: Synergy in Action

As the PV EPC, Electrum is responsible for the construction of Ingerslev Å PV park, including all construction, connection, and commissioning work for the entire photovoltaic farm. The company brings over 26 years of experience in implementing numerous renewable and hybrid energy projects throughout the Central and Eastern European region, striving for compliance with the highest technical and environmental standards.

The project will be delivered by up to 100 workers, who are responsible for the construction and installation of over 100,000 PV modules. The park will be equipped with six transformer stations with a total capacity of 9 MVA. The combined length of cable lines used in the project will exceed 600 km. Currently, the piles and structures are being installed on site.

– The commencement of our first photovoltaic project in Denmark is a milestone in our business. We are proud to leverage our extensive experience and expertise in a market where over 70% of electricity generation comes from renewable sources. It is also encouraging to see that from the blend of our holistic and creative approach to business and BeGreen’s unique environmental awareness, we have once again managed to create a beneficial business partnership for the alternative energy system of the future – stressed Tomasz Taff, Commercial Director at Electrum Holding.

Both Electrum Group and BeGreen prioritize supporting the communities in which they operate and preserving ecosystem integrity. BeGreen emphasizes the preservation of biodiversity through innovative programs aimed at environmental protection. This approach to responsible business practices fosters strong relationships with local communities and fosters the long-term, sustainable development of both companies.

– Our latest development in Denmark is a step toward our ambition to build a material and profitable solar portfolio in Northern Europe. We define energy transformation as a process that encompasses everything and everyone: from the smallest link in the supply chain to biodiversity. In the industry, we strive to deliver the highest and most uncompromising quality. Our partnership with Electrum as our PV EPC for the project falls in line with these efforts. Electrum has extensive experience and very high standards in the work they do, and both our companies also share a unique approach to renewable energy project development, as evidenced by our previous collaboration – said Cyrille de Baracé, CTO at BeGreen.

The Electrum Group, originating from Białystok, continues its expansion into foreign markets as one of the key elements of its international business development strategy.

 About Electrum

The Electrum Group, based in Białystok, is a leading Polish Climate Tech business offering comprehensive solutions in the field of cutting-edge technologies for development, construction, and project management in the energy and information sectors. The technological maturity of its experts enables the delivery of products and services that address the needs of industry and business, adapting to the evolving energy transformation. Electrum develops and implements solutions for projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between social and environmental responsibility and economic aspects.

Find out more about Electrum on our social media channels. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About BeGreen

 BeGreen is a Danish solar developer established in 2017 as part of the Bregentved Group. In November 2022, BeGreen was acquired by Equinor, and today BeGreen is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Norwegian energy company. BeGreen develops, builds and maintains large-scale solar parks in Denmark, Sweden, and Poland with a 360 degree approach to sustainability in all projects from cradle to grave. To date, BeGreen has built 9 utility-scale solar plants in Denmark with a total annual energy production of 650 GWh. This corresponds to the annual energy consumption of 200,000 people.

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On June 23rd, two months ago, we celebrated International Women in Engineering Day. Established in 2014 by the UK’s Women’s Engineering Society, this day aims to increase the visibility of women in the engineering field. At Electrum, we thought, “What if the 23rd of every month became Women in Engineering Day?” 📢

Thus, on the occasion of another 23rd day of the month, we highlight some studies that, in our opinion, well illustrate what we should focus on to encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering and why this is so important in the context of the entire Climate Tech industry.

We start with quite positive data released by the European Union’s statistical office, Eurostat, in February this year: In Poland, in 2022, depending on the region, the percentage of female scientists and engineers ranged from 53% to 61%. In this regard, we outperform countries like the United Kingdom and Germany. The macro-eastern region, where Electrum is located, can boast 59%. However, data specifically on female engineers is somewhat less optimistic. According to the “Statistical Yearbook of Labour 2023,” a report prepared by Poland’s Central Statistical Office, women account for about 35% of all engineers in Poland. Bergman Engineering decided to examine their situation in Poland’s largest enterprises—after analyzing LinkedIn profiles, they found that the employment of female engineers in these companies may be as low as 16%.

Gender disparity in engineering environments worldwide, of course, varies by profession but is generally well-documented—it’s an issue that requires improvement because the benefits extend far beyond equality in statistics.

We believe that a truly sustainable future begins with diverse teams working towards it. To enjoy our planet’s beauty for as long as possible, it is essential to collaborate with highly talented and diverse teams of professionals. This means attracting and retaining women and other minority groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, which play a fundamental role in the Climate Tech industry.

In 2020, the report “Women in Technology 2020” was published, carried out as part of the Shesnnovation Academy program by the Educational Foundation Perspektywy and Citi Foundation. The study surveyed a thousand Polish women identifying with the STEM field, where, overall, no more than 25% of women are present, as researchers indicate. According to the authors of the report, the role of women in the new technology sector is steadily growing, and this change is happening “from the ground up,” starting at the lowest levels. More and more women are choosing engineering studies. Over the ten years preceding 2020, the number of women studying at technical universities increased by 10%. It is worth noting that the number of female students at these universities is growing twice as fast as the number of male students. More women are also entering the high-tech industry, taking on higher management positions. The report described these changes as a “creeping revolution.”

How can this be supported, and how can we facilitate entry into the industry for those leading this change? The study “Mentorship in Engineering: Women, Inclusivity and Diversity – A challenge for our times,” conducted in 2023 by Breda Walsh Shanahan and Mary Doyle-Kent, highlights the key role of mentoring in this process. Mentoring not only supports theoretical development but also builds a sense of belonging. The study’s conclusion reads that regardless of gender or stereotypes, a novice female engineer or STEM graduate can develop her skills and benefit from the experience of a mentor who knows the professional culture and specifics. This strengthens the foundations of a more sustainable and diverse work environment. Another factor that promotes this is the overall visibility of positive role models who can encourage women to pursue an engineering path—their role is crucial both in the early years and in specific professional environments or companies.

In 2018, a report titled “Climate Control: Gender and Racial Bias in Engineering” prepared by the Society of Women Engineers presented findings that should certainly heighten awareness for all interested in this topic. The report was based on an examination of the biases women and people of color face in engineering workplaces. Hidden or unconscious biases can negatively impact the workplace atmosphere, influencing decisions regarding hiring, promotions, and compensation for women and other underrepresented minorities in engineering, preventing them from reaching managerial and senior management positions. Research indicated that nearly 40% of female engineers leave the profession mid-career. We believe that in 2024 the situation is improving, but it is still crucial to pay attention to all forms of discrimination in the workplace and effectively counteract them. This is also a well-documented issue and addressed by many reports and studies. The role of a modern company is to anticipate this and support the revolution that brings us closer to a better future.

Another key issue is that diverse teams mean a better work environment and, simply put, better results. This is not just about gender—age, cultural background, and different areas of expertise also matter. We are close to the statement that diversity of perspectives leads to more comprehensive problem analysis and better solutions. However, McKinsey & Company’s research “Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters” emphasizes that diversity alone is not enough. It is essential to create an inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and have equal opportunities for development.

We hope that the work environment we create at Electrum is perceived this way among our employees. Looking ahead, we see the need to align with the philosophy of Industry 5.0—a new era of industry where technology collaborates with humans, and diversity and sustainability become key elements. One step we see on the horizon is considering how to effectively attract more female engineers to our team.

We also want to take a closer look at how female engineers already employed with us feel. Following another report by McKinsey & Company, “Women in the Workplace 2023,” we want to track outcomes that support the development of women. As in other areas of our activity, in terms of diversity and inclusivity goals, we want to focus on transparency. We know that this not only motivates engagement but also strengthens the sense of support in the organization, which supports the long-term professional development of minority members. These are issues worth considering if the ultimate goal is to most effectively support innovation. This is a pillar on which the entire Climate Tech industry continuously stands (and we stand with it).

Of course, it would be a mistake to conclude that the challenges women face in engineering are limited to this industry. This is part of a broader social model, whose change requires our concrete actions. But before we take them, it’s worth considering how and why the world around us looks the way it does. Then, think about how we can contribute to making it easier for future generations of women—and today’s girls—not only in historically and currently male-dominated fields but essentially in the society we are building today.

At Electrum, we want to build a truly sustainable, innovative future and harness the full potential of what can guarantee it.

Sources:

Women at Technical Universities 2022. Perspektywy Women in Tech Report and the Information Processing Center.
Women in Science and Technology, 2022. Eurostat, European Statistical Office.
Statistical Yearbook of Labour 2023. Central Statistical Office of Poland.
Bergman Engineering Research.
Women in Technology 2020. Perspektywy Educational Foundation and Citi Foundation Report.
Mentorship in Engineering: Women, Inclusivity and Diversity – A challenge for our Times. Study by Breda Walsh Shanahan and Mary Doyle-Kent.
Climate Control: Gender and Racial Bias in Engineering. Society of Women Engineers Report.
Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters. McKinsey & Company Report.
Women in the Workplace 2023. McKinsey & Company Report.
Research-Based Advice for Women Working in Male-Dominated Fields. Article by Sian Beilock.

Hybrid renewable energy systems are facilities that use more than one source of clean energy generation. These are advanced systems that combine different renewable technologies, such as solar and wind energy, to increase production efficiency. In Poland, due to favorable weather conditions, we most often invest in solar and wind energy.

In the long term, we can expect various combinations of energy sources, such as water-sun or water-wind connections. However, at the moment, the most accessible and efficient solution is a combination of solar and wind energy, which complement each other perfectly, enabling stable energy production throughout the day.

One of the first large-scale hybrid power plant in Poland is the Kleczew Solar & Wind Park.

We talk with Kamil Kozicki, an expert from Electrum, about Kleczew and explain how modern hybrid installations contribute to the energy transition. We also discuss the current legal status of such installations and the reasons why investing in them is worthwhile.

How does the Kleczew Solar & Wind Park work?

In Kleczew, we have two integrated energy sources: a photovoltaic (PV) farm and a wind farm. The PV farm has a maximum capacity of 193 MW (AC), with an installed capacity in the PV modules of 250 MWp. This means that the system is oversized by 30%, allowing for stable energy supply even under varying weather conditions. The second facility, the wind farm, consists of four Nordex N133 turbines, each with a capacity of 4.8 MW, totaling 19.2 MW of installed capacity. However, due to connection limitations, we can currently only deliver 11.7 MW of wind power. The connection capacity, or the maximum power we can deliver to the grid based on the connection agreement, is 204 MW for both energy sources combined.

The common point of connection between the PV farm and the wind farm is the Main Offtake Point (GPO). Thanks to the hybrid installation, the energy produced by these farms is transmitted via a single high-voltage cable. This optimizes transmission infrastructure and reduces costs.

How does Kleczew stand out among other hybrid facilities in Poland?

It is the first farm on such a large scale. The first with connection terms issued that explicitly indicate two energy sources in the connection agreement. This means it was clear from the beginning that this is a hybrid facility. Previously, micro-installations combining photovoltaics with a few wind turbines were developed, but here we have a large-scale facility with 250 MWp of solar power and 19.2 MW of wind power (installed capacity). The facility is controlled by Electrum’s proprietary solution, the Renedium master controller, enabling the creation of a unique ecosystem.

Read more: Renedium

So, before Kleczew, connection agreements did not include two energy sources?

Until now, the connection agreements and connection terms I dealt with at Electrum specified a single energy source. Kleczew is the first wind solar farm we have implemented where two energy sources are explicitly defined – it was designed and implemented as a hybrid installation.

A single transmission line for two sources is also used in cable pooling. How do hybrid installations differ from cable pooling?

Both approaches aim to optimize the use of renewable energy, but they differ in methods and infrastructure. Cable pooling focuses on using transmission infrastructure by sharing a single line between different renewable energy installations. However, these installations are independent of each other and cannot fully utilize their potential. Therefore, wind solar farms go a step further. They integrate different renewable technologies in one location to increase the reliability and efficiency of energy production. It is an entire system designed to complement each other and work together.

Kleczew is designed to effectively utilize the available renewable energy resources under different weather conditions. Both installations operate simultaneously. When the PV farm is not working due to weather conditions or time of day, the wind farm operates, and the facility continues to generate renewable energy, ensuring continuous production.

In cable pooling, the wind farm could share a line with the photovoltaic farm, using the same transmission infrastructure to reduce costs, maximize productivity, and increase profits for the investor. As a solar wind hybrid system, Kleczew not only shares infrastructure but also combines different renewable energy technologies in one location. Photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are integrated to complement each other, providing more stable and efficient energy production throughout the day. Moreover, as I mentioned, the agreement clearly defines that it is a facility with two energy sources.

What is the process of testing and commissioning a hybrid facility?

We are subject to standard network code procedures that we must follow. These apply to all stages, from obtaining permission to energize (EON), through temporary permission to operate (ION), to final operational permission (FON). At Electrum, we comprehensively carry out all the procedures necessary to commission the facility, from conducting necessary simulations to performing compliance tests. To ensure everything runs smoothly, SCADA-type software* is also required. In Kleczew, Electrum’s proprietary solutions – the EMACS software and Renedium, which houses a built-in master controller that integrates all energy sources, overseeing and controlling them.

* Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition

Read more: EMACS

What problems do solar wind hybrid power solve?

A wind farm can operate continuously, regardless of day or night, depending on wind conditions. The solar farm, on the other hand, operates at specific hours, dependent on the sun. The key word here is efficiency. Primarily, hybrid installations allow more efficient use of connection capacity and, to some extent, can substitute solar with wind or wind with solar. In Kleczew, we have not yet fully utilized the connection capacity, and together with the investor, we are working towards that goal.

Does Electrum intend to focus on renewable energy hybrid systems?

We will certainly encourage investors towards such solutions. It is an attractive prospect – fully utilizing connection capacity and maximizing profits. There are projects under discussion, such as adding wind turbines to an existing solar farm.

What currently holds investors back from hybrid projects?

Primarily issues related to connection agreements and issuing technical connection conditions. The process requires the investor to first approach the electricity network operator and obtain approval for a renewable energy hybrid systems. At this stage, various nuances arise, such as the definition of a hybrid installation and the lack of uniform regulations. Whether it will be a hybrid, where a wind farm is expanded with solar power or vice versa, or a new independent installation connected to another in a cable pooling option. Currently, regulations governing hybrid installations are in the process of being developed. There is a lack of uniform, general guidelines that clearly define technical requirements, procedures, and standards. As appropriate regulations develop and support for hybrid projects increases, these barriers may gradually be reduced. This will open the door to broader application of hybrid installations. Of course, this does not mean that the current barriers cannot be overcome. Kleczew is the best example of this.

Which country sets a good example?

A great example from abroad is Denmark, a leader in hybrid power plants. Denmark successfully operates hybrid renewable energy farms that combine wind turbines with photovoltaic installations and energy storage systems. For example, the hybrid farm in Lem Kær, which integrates various renewable energy sources and energy storage systems.

An energy storage system is also planned for Kleczew. How will energy storage impact the installation?

Introducing energy storage will allow us to overcome the current limitations imposed on the farm. The photovoltaic farm in Kleczew has a capacity of 250 MWp, of which we can effectively use 193 MW. A similar situation applies to the wind farm – out of four turbines with a capacity of 4.8 MW each, we can effectively use only 11.7 MW. These limitations result from the connection agreement. The facility can continue to be expanded. Currently, we have 204 MW of connection capacity, and we are ready to continuously transmit 240 MW to PSE.

Energy storage will allow excess energy that currently cannot be transmitted to the grid due to contractual limitations to be stored. In practice, this means that surplus energy that cannot be directly utilized will be stored. In moments when energy production from solar and wind is lower, the energy storage system will be able to release the stored energy to the grid. This will allow for more consistent energy delivery to the grid, avoiding sudden drops and spikes in power.

Energy storage will enable more efficient management of the farm’s energy production. Solar energy is produced mainly from late morning to early afternoon, after which it decreases. Wind energy production, on the other hand, can be more variable. Energy storage will smooth out these fluctuations, allowing energy to be delivered to the grid in a more stable and consistent manner.

Introducing energy storage also opens up possibilities for further expansion of the farm. With energy storage, we can increase the installation’s capacity. Excess energy can be stored and used during times of higher demand. For example, if we have 204 MW of connection capacity, the storage system will allow us to maintain maximum power for longer periods under ideal conditions at midday when energy production is highest.

Are hybrid renewable energy systems the future of renewable energy? Is this the direction in which renewable energy will expand more broadly?

It is certainly one of the directions. It all comes down to making these energy sources as flexible and efficient as possible. The demand for energy from the grid is not uniform. There are hours when energy is needed more, and others when it is needed less. The broader application of hybrid farms, additionally with energy storage, will allow for better alignment with demand.

Another related issue is the distribution network in Poland. We have problems with energy transmission. On weekends, there is usually too much energy. That’s the situation we have. The operator does not want to receive this energy on weekends and signals to shut down or limit production from the farm. In the worst case, penalties and negative energy prices may appear during this time. If we have a hybrid renewable energy systems with energy storage, we can adapt our production to the conditions – shut down or reduce the power of the photovoltaic installation while the wind farm continues to operate.

The hybrid power plants can also operate entirely independently of the grid. With energy storage, we can store energy and utilize it according to our needs without relying on the grid operator.

In the long run, we can expect hybrid power plants to become more widespread. Investors and operators will increasingly rely on these advanced energy solutions. Hybrid systems can provide more flexible and efficient energy production, especially with energy storage, and become an important part of Poland’s energy mix.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.