Renewable energy sources (RES) are those that harness natural processes occurring in the environment, such as wind, sunlight, water, biomass, and geothermal energy. RES are increasingly popular and desirable because they offer numerous advantages over traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and gas.
Advantages of Renewable Energy Sources
Some of the benefits of RES include:
Environmentally friendly: They do not emit harmful greenhouse gases or other pollutants that contribute to global warming and climate change.
Renewable: They are inexhaustible and available regardless of geopolitical situations or raw material prices.
Diverse and flexible: They can be adapted to different geographical conditions and energy needs.
Economically beneficial: They create new jobs, stimulate technological innovation, and reduce dependence on energy imports.
Main Types of Renewable Energy Sources
Wind Power: Wind farms utilize the kinetic energy of the wind to drive turbines that generate electricity. They can be located onshore or offshore, depending on location and wind conditions.
Solar Energy: This involves using solar radiation to produce heat or electricity, often through photovoltaic panels. Solar farms are one of the cheapest and fastest-growing RES worldwide.
Hydropower: Uses the potential or kinetic energy of water to drive turbines or generators. Energy can be harnessed from rivers, lakes, oceans, or waves, and is one of the oldest and most reliable RES.
Biomass: Involves using organic material from plants or animals to produce heat, electricity, or biofuels. Biomass can come from agricultural, forestry, municipal, or industrial waste.
Geothermal Energy: Uses the heat stored within the Earth’s crust for heating, cooling buildings, or generating electricity. It is one of the cleanest and most stable RES since it doesn’t depend on weather conditions or seasons.
RES in Global Energy Production
Renewable energy is a key direction in the development of global energy. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the share of RES in global electricity production is expected to grow from 29% in 2020 to 43% in 2030 and 60% in 2050. Achieving these goals requires investments, policies, and cooperation at local, national, and international levels.
Alternative Energy Examples
RES has great potential for development in the field of alternative energy. This term encompasses various forms of energy production, distribution, and consumption that differ from the traditional fossil-fuel-based and centralized energy networks. Examples include:
Microgrids
Local energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. Microgrids use RES, energy storage, and smart technologies to provide reliable and efficient energy access.
Hydrogen Economy
A vision where hydrogen, produced using RES, is the main energy carrier, which can be stored, transported, and used for various purposes like powering vehicles, heating buildings, or supplying industry.
Prosumers
Individuals or entities that both produce and consume electricity. Prosumers can install their own RES, such as solar panels or wind turbines, and sell excess energy back to the grid or share it with others.
Benefits of Alternative Energy
Alternative energy offers numerous benefits for society and the environment, including:
Enhancing energy security and reducing dependence on foreign energy suppliers.
Lowering energy costs and reducing energy poverty.
Improving air quality and public health by reducing pollutant emissions.
Supporting the development of local communities and economies by creating jobs and income.
Accelerating the energy transition and combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Comprehensive RES Solutions
To fully exploit the potential of alternative energy, comprehensive RES solutions are needed. These integrate various technologies, services, and stakeholders within a sustainable energy system. This requires innovation at multiple levels:
Technology: Developing new or improving existing RES technologies, such as higher-efficiency photovoltaic panels, quieter wind turbines, or batteries with greater capacity.
Business: Creating new or adapting existing business models, such as equipment leasing, participation in energy communities, or offering energy management services.
Policy: Implementing new or modifying existing regulations and taxes, such as setting energy tariffs, subsidies for investments, or energy origin certificates.
Society: Building new or strengthening existing social and cultural relationships, such as citizen engagement, ecological education, awareness, and cross-sector cooperation.
Wind farm construction represents a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly development. It is one of the clear indicators of the energy transition, becoming an increasingly visible element in the landscape.
Table of Contents
Wind farm development: Value for the Future
Wind Farm Construction: 5 Key Aspects
Stages of wind farm development
Cost of Wind Farm Construction
Comprehensive Energy Solutions
Technology and Alternative Energy
Wind Farms Built by Electrum
This article focuses on:
The wind farm development process and its significance for modern energy systems.
Discussing key aspects of wind farm construction, including location, legal and regulatory aspects, financial analysis, environmental impact, and social acceptance.
The article also outlines the key stages of wind farm construction and discusses the costs associated with such a project.
Additionally, it highlights the importance of comprehensive energy solutions and the innovation in technology that drives wind farm development.
It presents examples of wind farms built by the Electrum Group and summarizes the importance of wind farm development for sustainable development and environmental protection.
A wind energy project construction is a highly advanced process that requires modern technology and the involvement of specialists. A key step is choosing a renewable energy EPC contractor with expertise in comprehensive energy solutions. Such a partner ensures the efficient execution of the wind farm project from start to finish.
Wind Farm Construction – 5 Key Aspects
When considering wind farm installation, there are five key aspects that every investor should take into account:
Location: The area selected for wind farms is a decisive factor as wind conditions must be optimal for efficient energy production.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects: Understanding local regulations regarding the construction and operation of turbines is crucial for obtaining construction permits.
Financial Analysis: Necessary for assessing the project’s profitability, including initial costs, potential returns, and payback period.
Environmental Impact: Requires a detailed assessment to minimize negative effects on local flora and fauna.
Social Acceptance: Gaining the support of the local community can be crucial for the success and long-term sustainability of the wind farm.
Understanding these aspects is essential before making a decision to invest in green energy.
What does the wind farm construction process look like step by step? It’s a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Here are the key stages:
Location Selection: Finding a site with suitable wind conditions.
Environmental and Acoustic Studies: Assessing the farm’s impact on its surroundings.
Obtaining Permits: Navigating the legal and administrative process.
Infrastructure Construction: Preparing the site, access roads, and foundations.
Grid Connection: Integrating the farm with the energy system and beginning energy production.
How much does a wind farm cost to build?
Building a wind farm is an investment that can bring significant benefits for both the environment and the economy. However, the costs associated with such a project vary depending on factors like location, technology, and project scale. According to the latest data, the cost of building an onshore wind farm in Europe is around €1.3 million/MW. In Poland, these costs are slightly higher, estimated at around 6.8 million PLN/MW. Nonetheless, investments in wind energy are becoming increasingly profitable, thanks to decreasing technology costs and increasing turbine efficiency. Moreover, wind farms generate renewable energy, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the fight against climate change.
Comprehensive Energy Solutions
Comprehensive energy solutions are a key aspect of the wind farm installation process. They include the design, construction, and maintenance of the wind farm, as well as its integration with the existing energy infrastructure. These solutions make wind farms an integral part of modern energy systems.
The innovation in technologies such as PV panels and modern wind turbines plays a crucial role in the development of wind farms. The #ClimateTech area is constantly evolving, contributing to the efficiency of alternative energy.
Wind Farms Built by Electrum
Electrum, as a renewable energy EPC contractor, plays a significant role in the development of wind farms in Poland. Our experience and advanced technologies allow us to build efficient and modern wind farms that meet the growing demands of the energy market. Wind farms built by Electrum are characterized by high efficiency and are examples of successfully combining innovation with environmental care.
Wind farm construction Summary
Wind farm construction is a crucial element in the development of modern energy systems. Thanks to comprehensive engineering solutions and the use of the latest technologies, wind farms contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Investments in these solutions promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
Leading Polish Climate Tech business, Electrum, in collaboration with its partners, has introduced an innovative hybrid energy-information system, significantly enhancing the efficiency of electric energy storage and balancing the operation of RES. The solution stabilizes and optimizes energy supply for the Alu-forst production plant located near Białystok, which uses its own photovoltaic installation. The system is a part of the European initiative MESH4U, carried out in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and international partners. In the future, research and analyses conducted during the MESH4U project will contribute to securing stable electricity supply for other European factories.
Key objectives of the MESH4U project included energy savings, efficient utilization of RES potential, and the development of green factories for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Initiated by Electrum Concreo, a company within the Electrum Group, the project involved the development of a modern energy-information system. Implementation of this solution reduced energy consumption costs and ensured the continuous operation of production lines.
The main benefit of the hybrid energy-information system is the ability to reduce operating costs by optimizing energy consumption and efficiently utilizing renewable energy sources. Using advanced algorithms and data analysis, the solution can predict energy demand, adjust production based on RES availability, and manage consumption intelligently. We believe that our hybrid energy-information system can support the transition to a low-emission economy. By promoting efficient use of RES, the solution will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and minimize environmental impact on an international scale – says Karol Łapiński, Technical Director and Member of the Electrum Solutions Board.
Manufacturing companies are high-energy consumers, and brief voltage drops can result in significant losses due to material damage caused by sudden machine stoppages and costly downtimes. Therefore, Electrum Concreo, a company within the Electrum Group, collaborated with Alu-frost to address this issue. As a result, an international research project was conducted, involving experts from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the Fraunhofer Institute in Magdeburg, and foreign partners, including the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne – EPFL (Switzerland), Arte Möbel (Germany), GridSteer (Switzerland), Romande Energie (Switzerland), and GoFast (Switzerland).
Our project is unique because it combines various types of storage, technological solutions, and information systems. The result is the maximum benefits of RES for various needs and conditions, both technically and economically. We have managed to create a unique, holistic approach to multifunctional energy storage centers. In the future, our solution will provide flexibility to renewable energy owners and operators, as well as industry and households – says Przemysław Komarnicki, a Professor at the Fraunhofer Institute and one of the main partners of the MESH4U project. It can also have significant applications in e-mobility– he adds.
MESH4U largely addresses key questions that renewable energy technology developers have been asking for years. Efficient energy storage is one of the essential components that will contribute to the popularization of green energy sources in the near future.
An important feature of the MESH4U project is its international, European dimension, and alignment with European energy strategies and the ERA-NET-SES program framework, which encompasses sustainable development, technological intelligence, and competitiveness in the field of goods and services. The project was co-financed by the National Center for Research and Development as part of the ERA-NET Smart Grids Plus Joint Call 2019 on Energy Storage Solutions (MICall2019). The total value of the project was PLN 4,193,452.14, with a grant value of PLN 2,321,856.32.
PAD RES is a joint venture between Griffin Capital Partners and Kajima Europe.
AD RES, a leading Polish developer in the clean energy sector, will construct two photovoltaic farms in the Pomeranian Voivodeship with a total capacity of 117 megawatts (MW). These two new investments by PAD RES will be located in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, specifically near Sztum and Mikołajki Pomorskie. The combined capacity of these projects will be 117 MW, covering an area of approximately 140 hectares, and they will have the capacity to power 65,000 households.
Electrum, a climate tech focused technological consulting group, has been appointed as the general contractor for both projects. PAD RES and Electrum previously collaborated on the solar farm construction of the 35 MW photovoltaic farm in Kleczew, central Poland.
In September 2021, Kajima Europe and Griffin Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in PAD RES. Since then, the company has consistently expanded its portfolio. Currently, PAD RES holds projects with a combined capacity exceeding 500 MW, all of which have received positive approvals for grid connection conditions.
With the addition of upcoming photovoltaic projects with a total capacity of 140 MW, construction of which will begin this year, PAD RES is implementing a strategy focused on expanding its portfolio of renewable energy projects.
– The renewable energy market in Poland is growing, and upcoming changes in the energy mix will require the development of new renewable energy capacity. At Griffin Capital Partners, we see this sector as particularly attractive, and through the PAD RES platform, we can actively participate in Poland’s green transformation. Our two new investments, with a combined capacity of 117 MW, significantly enhance our portfolio – says Jędrzej Socha, Senior Vice President Investments at Griffin Capital Partners.
– In Poland, intensive efforts are underway to diversify the national energy mix, with a strong emphasis on zero-emission sources that are expected to play a significant and dominant role in this process. The two new photovoltaic farms in Sztum and Mikołajki Pomorskie are part of our ambitious plans to develop renewable energy sources in Poland and contribute to the country’s transformation towards a green future – says explains Chris Gill, Investments Director & Head of Renewables at Kajima.
– We are pleased to announce the agreement with Electrum. This marks our second joint venture, as Electrum is also the general contractor for the 35 MW photovoltaic farm currently under construction. Our strategy focuses on further developing our renewable energy portfolio, which includes both photovoltaic and wind projects. We plan to commence the construction of new projects with a capacity of 140 MW later this year – says Wojciech Jasiński, Director of Construction at PAD RES.
– We are delighted to have the opportunity for another collaboration with PAD RES. Our previous relationship has reached a milestone, marking the beginning of a continued, long-term partnership that brings mutual benefits. We are currently in the final stages of constructing a 35 MW photovoltaic power plant in Kleczew, and we proudly announce new joint projects with a capacity more than three times larger. Investments in Pomerania are of great importance to our business, and I am convinced that there will be further opportunities for collaboration between our companies in the future– adds Jacek Popławski, Director of Strategy and Development at Electrum Holding.
About Griffin Capital Partners
Griffin Capital Partners is the largest private equity and real estate asset management company in Central and Eastern Europe. The company is a pioneer in many innovative concepts and formats it has introduced to the market. The company’s strategy is to create investment platforms from scratch or acquire and develop existing companies to become leaders in their respective markets. Griffin achieves this through the implementation of appropriate strategies and strong management teams, helping to build platform value through organic growth. Griffin invests on behalf of its owners as well as renowned international investors. The gross asset value managed by Griffin Capital Partners within sixteen actively and three passively managed platforms exceeds 8 billion euros, and the total invested capital is over 3.5 billion euros.
About Kajima Europe
Kajima Europe is a pan-European investor, general contractor, developer, and property manager with a portfolio of assets valued at around £10 billion (AUM). From homes to hospitals, from educational spaces to workplaces, from public utility buildings to care facilities, Kajima designs places with people in mind.
Kajima Europe, headquartered in London, seeks investment opportunities in individual projects using the substantial resources of the dominant company (Kajima Corporation), and collaborates with existing and new partners to develop, invest in, and increase equity in a diverse range of assets.
Kajima operates in six key sectors: office, logistics, residential, social infrastructure, revitalization, and renewable energy, providing solutions for both the public and private sectors. Recent achievements include the rapid expansion of Kajima’s logistics business with new facilities in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.
In addition to its existing construction structures in Poland and the Czech Republic, Kajima opened a new office in Warsaw in 2022, where it also established a renewable energy developer company, PAD RES, in a joint venture with Griffin Capital Partners. In the residential sector, Kajima has recently expanded its portfolio of rental properties and purpose-built student accommodation, undertaking new projects in Dublin, Ireland, and Gdańsk, Poland.
About Electrum
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech company based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions for the development, construction, and management of projects in the energy and information technology sectors. Thanks to the advanced technological knowledge of its experts, the company can deliver products and services that respond to the changing needs of the industry and business in the midst of the ongoing energy transformation.
Electrum Group creates and implements solutions and projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, balancing the social and environmental responsibility of business with economic aspects.
About PAD RES
PAD RES is a Polish developer of clean energy specializing in projects related to renewable energy, infrastructure investments, and commercial real estate. Founded in 2010, the company successfully manages the development of its investments from inception to the “ready for construction” or “ready for operation” stage. In September 2021, the majority of PAD RES shares were acquired by Griffin Capital Partners and Kajima Europe. Shareholders plan to focus on further developing PAD RES’s portfolio, which includes investments in photovoltaic and wind projects at various stages of development, both in the development phase and ready for construction, with a total secured connection capacity exceeding 500 MW. This portfolio places the platform at the forefront of the growing national renewable energy sector.
Electrum Group, a Białystok-based Climate Tech company, has completed the construction of the PV Gryf photovoltaic farm, commissioned by Energa Generation from the ORLEN Group. Located in the Przykona municipality in Greater Poland, the installation has been energized and put into operation. The total installed capacity of the power plant is 25 MW.
Solar farm construction of the PV Gryf photovoltaic farm began in January 2021. In the spring of this year, the facility was connected to the power grid, and the owner obtained permission for its use. The total installed capacity of the facility is approximately 25 MW. The expected annual electricity production of the farm will meet the consumption needs of about 10,000 households.
– “The PV Gryf solar power system design presented us with numerous challenges. The construction of the power line for power export had to be established alongside an existing HV line. We conducted the work at the active RSN Przykona and RSN Żuki facilities, which required proper coordination between multiple entities involved in the investment. Additionally, the farm is located in demanding mining areas. However, the Electrum team handled it admirably, which clearly demonstrates our effectiveness, even in the face of technically challenging project conditions” says Tomasz Taff, Sales Director and Member of the Board of Electrum Concreo.
The scope of work
The scope of work by Electrum Concreo, a developer within the Electrum Group, for the PV Gryf investment included the comprehensive construction of the photovoltaic farm on an area of approximately 32 hectares. The company was also responsible for preparing project documentation, including an alternative construction project and executive designs.
Electrum Concreo provided the delivery and installation of over 46,000 solar panels, 107 inverters, and 12 transformer stations. The work also included the installation of CCTV and SSWiN systems, the construction of internal roads and maneuvering areas covering an area of 6,000 square meters, and the construction of a HV line over 11 kilometers long. Electrum also installed the proprietary EMACS system in the facility. This platform combines the advantages of a classic SCADA system with business analysis systems, allowing the integration, processing, and presentation of data from multiple information sources on a coherent platform.
The PV Gryf photovoltaic farm, belonging to Energa Generation from the ORLEN Group, was built on the site of a former brown coal mine in Adamów. This not only transformed an unused industrial area but, most importantly, utilized existing transmission infrastructure.
About Electrum
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business headquartered in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the field of cutting-edge technology for the development, construction, and management of projects in the energy and information sectors. The technological maturity of its experts allows for the delivery of products and services that respond to the evolving needs of industry and business in the midst of the ongoing energy transformation. They create and implement solutions and build projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of business and economic aspects.
More information about the Electrum Group can be found on our social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebooku and Instagramie.
Electrum Group, a leading Polish Climate Tech business, is a proud strategic partner of the 14th edition of the Up To Date Festival, one of the most important events on the Polish electronic music scene. The festival will feature creators of synthetic sounds from around the world. Electrum will support the organizers in their efforts to minimize the event’s impact on the climate and the environment. During the festival, a conference titled “Do We Really Care? #balance #climatetech #responsibility” will be held, addressing the issue of reducing the music industry’s negative impact on the environment. The discussion will involve representatives from event and booking agencies associated with major European techno events, as well as representatives from Electrum Holding.
This year’s edition of the Up To Date Festival will take place on June 23-24 in Białystok. The event consistently attracts the interest of electronic music fans and draws thousands of participants from Poland and other countries. Organizers, in collaboration with their strategic partner Electrum, plan to undertake several activities to neutralize the event’s impact on the natural environment. This approach aligns with Electrum’s mission, which revolves around creating a sustainable energy future that safely and eco-consciously provides energy from alternative sources.
Electrum, originating from Białystok, is a Climate Tech business offering comprehensive solutions in the latest technology for the development, construction, and project management in the fields of energy and information. The core areas of Electrum Group’s activity include developing technological solutions, building RES (Renewable Energy Sources) projects, maintaining energy assets, and optimizing the operation of wind and photovoltaic farms.
One of our key objectives is to raise awareness and educate about climate and environmental changes. We want to have a real, positive impact on the biosphere. We see this as our duty as leaders in the energy transformation. Therefore, we want the Up To Date Festival, supported by us, to become a platform for promoting best practices and raising social awareness about reducing the negative impact of mass events on the natural environment – says Gabriela Popławska, Head of Brand and IP, Electrum Holding.
As part of the Up To Date Festival, the conference “Do We Really Care? #balance #climatetech #responsibility” will focus on the operation of music entities in the context of taking care of the planet’s well-being. The first panel, addressing the direct impact of the music industry on the environment, will be led by Misia Furtak, a singer and representative of the Music Declares Emergency Poland organization. Participants in the discussion will include Grzegorz Stanisławski, a representative of Electrum Holding, Halvard Müller from the team organizing the Norwegian Monument City Festival, Paulina Żaczek from Granko Agency, and Bartłomiej Arendarski representing the Fraunhofer Institute. The second discussion will focus on analyzing inequalities in the music world, resulting from factors such as the geographical location of scenes. Cezary Chwicewski from Up To Date Festival will moderate the discussion. Representatives of prominent event and booking agencies associated with the European electronic music scene will participate, including Clubbing Heritage, Unrush, Setten Agency, Rhythm Buro, Monument, and Sfora, as well as Jacek Popławski, Strategy & Development Director at Electrum Holding. The meeting will take place on June 24 at 1:00 PM at NieTeatr in Białystok, a new cultural space in the city. The outcome of the meeting is expected to be the development of guidelines for music entities to help them strive for climate neutrality.
In collaboration with Electrum, the festival organizers also promise other initiatives during the festival aimed at reducing its impact on the biosphere.
Electrum Zone and Scenography Upcycling
One of the main elements of the festival’s infrastructure will be the Electrum Zone, which will be entirely created from waste or leftovers from RES (Renewable Energy Sources) projects. In addition to using furniture made from wind turbines or spools, a totem symbolizing energy transformation will be built, allowing festivalgoers to charge electronic devices. In the adjacent relaxation bar, “energy” drinks by Electrum will be served. It’s worth noting that both the stage scenography and resting places for festival attendees will be prepared using upcycled furniture that appeared in previous festival editions.
Abandoning New Merchandise
One of the pillars of the festival’s pro-environmental strategy is the complete abandonment of new promotional clothing production, focusing instead on the concept of circular fashion. At this year’s Up To Date Festival, an upcycled collection, UTDF De Luxe, will be presented. It has been an integral part of the event since 2016. The creative director behind this collection is Karolina Maksimowicz, co-founder of the festival. The basis for UTDF De Luxe is clothing sourced from Białystok’s second-hand shops. Every item in the collection undergoes repair, cleaning, and creative refreshing. The clothes are dyed, stitched, and printed with slogans that align with the festival’s ideas. UTDF De Luxe is not only a proposal for those concerned about the planet but also for lovers of originality. Furthermore, festival participants who want a keepsake from the event can leave their own clothing to have appropriate prints added.
Reducing Waste Generation
There will be no disposable plastic packaging in the festival’s food and bar areas. Drinks will be served in rented, reusable plastic cups, and water will be available at an affordable price in deposit glass bottles. Additionally, waste sorting will be conducted during the festival into categories: paper, metals and plastics, glass, and mixed waste.
For more information about the festival, you can visit the website: https://uptodate.pl/.
About Electrum
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the latest technology for the development, construction, and project management in the fields of energy and information. The technological expertise of its professionals enables them to provide products and services that respond to the changing needs of the industry and businesses in the midst of the ongoing energy transformation. They create and implement solutions and build projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of business and economic aspects.
More information about the Electrum Group can be found on our social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebooku and Instagramie.
In early May, Electrum Holding, a Polish Climate Tech company, exceeded a total installed capacity of 2 GW in its project portfolio’s operation and maintenance. Currently, the company from Białystok oversees 169 facilities across Poland, including both wind and photovoltaic power plants, with the largest onshore wind farm in the country.
One of Electrum Group’s primary areas of operation, apart from creating technological solutions and building Renewable Energy Source (RES) projects, is managing energy assets and optimizing the operation of wind and photovoltaic farms. This responsibility falls under Electrum Solutions, which is one of the fastest-growing entities in Poland, specializing in Operation & Maintenance services (O&M).
Electrum Solutions is an organization that flexibly and professionally builds a value proposition under the banner of sustainable development while maintaining commercial competitiveness. The 2 GW of managed capacity is a symbolic but significant milestone for the company. Electrum Solutions boasts a growing group of investors and owners who have entrusted them with the care of their installations, often designed and built by the Group’s specialist development company, Electrum Concreo.
As of now, Electrum Solutions services 169 renewable energy installations, with 129 of them being photovoltaic farms with a total installed capacity of 546 MW and 32 wind parks exceeding 1.5 GW in combined capacity. With the addition of the Lubowidz-Zalesie wind farm’s operation and maintenance starting on May 1, located in Mazovia, in the Żuromin county, the total capacity of installations managed by Electrum Solutions has exceeded 2 GW. The company provides O&M services for RES installations in all Polish provinces, with a significant presence in Wielkopolska and the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.
“We feel that our vision is supported by the business community, and we are convincing an increasing number of market players to cooperate in creating a new, alternative energy system. This validation of Electrum Group’s future vision for energy indicates that the revolution is already happening and that our broad and innovative offerings effectively meet the needs of our customers. We are delighted that our ‘One-Stop-Shop’ approach finds real reflection in our customers’ needs, and we thank them for their trust”– saysJacek Popławski, Director of Strategy and Development at Electrum Holding.
Poland’s Largest Wind Farm
Among the renewable energy installations managed by Electrum Solutions is the largest wind farm in Poland and one of the largest in Europe, owned by MASHAV, known as the Potęgowo installation, situated in the West Pomeranian and Pomeranian voivodeships. It comprises 98 turbines with a combined installed capacity of 256.9 MW. Electrum Group not only manages this power plant but also had a hand in its construction, including building three power substations and routing nearly 100 km of power lines.
Another facility managed by Electrum Solutions is the Banie-Kozienice Wind Farm located in the West Pomeranian voivodeship. This installation consists of 96 wind turbines, three power substations, and a connection to the 220 kV transmission grid in SE Krajnik. Similar to the Potęgowo power plant, Electrum Group was also involved in the construction of this facility. In 2015, the Group’s development company, Electrum Concreo, along with consortium partners Erbud and PBDI, designed, built, and commissioned the power plant in Banie. As part of the project, the company created, among other things, the longest power line with a capacity of 220 kV at that time.
Green Hybrid Installation
In the near future, Electrum Solutions will provide its O&M services to the first commercial solar-wind hybrid power plant in Poland and one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. This installation, owned by the Lewandopol Group, is located in the Kleczew municipality in Wielkopolska. Comprising photovoltaic and wind power facilities and an energy storage unit, the project is currently under construction.
Electrum Concreo is responsible for its implementation as the general contractor, and Electrum Solutions will apply its innovative proprietary solution – Renedium 1.0. This system regulates active and reactive power output, cooperating with various types of generating units. It simplifies energy production control in one place, regardless of the source type, capacity, location, and complexity, which is particularly important for hybrid power plants. The completion of the first phase of the project, involving the construction of the solar farm, is planned for the second half of 2023. The wind farm is expected to be completed in 2024, and the energy storage facility is planned for a later stage of the project.
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the latest technology for the development, construction, and project management in the fields of energy and information. The technological expertise of its professionals enables them to provide products and services that respond to the changing needs of the industry and businesses in the midst of the ongoing energy transformation. They create and implement solutions and build projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of business and economic aspects.
For more information about the Electrum Group, you can visit our social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebooku and Instagramie.
The PV Przykona photovoltaic farm, owned by EDP Renewables (EDPR), is another large-scale Renewable Energy Source (RES) investment executed by Electrum Group, a Climate Tech company originating from Białystok. The project will be established on 245 hectares of post-mining land in the Przykona municipality within the Wielkopolska province. This 200 MW connection capacity investment is being executed in record time, taking less than a year for completion, with engineering work expected to conclude in autumn 2023.
Electrum Group and EDP Renewables, the fourth-largest renewable energy producer globally, have been collaborating since 2015, with PV Przykona being one of their main joint projects. The selection of this investment site is not accidental. The areas near the former brown coal “Adamów” mine, where Electrum is implementing this project along with two other solar projects, are considered Poland’s future photovoltaic farm heartland.
Electrum will be responsible for the development of complete project documentation, construction, and the installation of over 307,675 photovoltaic panels, 712 inverters, and 27 transformer stations. The total length of cable lines used in the project exceeds 1,000 km (including DC lines – 620 km, LV lines – 430 km, and MV lines – approximately 79 km). The Przykona photovoltaic farm will utilize Sungrow photovoltaic inverters, enabling energy conversion on a versatile scale.
– We are systematically building an ecosystem for sustainable energy of the future and accelerating the green transformation process. We try to base our actions on delivering unconventional solutions that result in efficient resource utilization. We pay particular attention to the logistics of our investments, which is especially important at this moment when we are simultaneously working on two 200 MW projects – emphasizes Jacek Popławski, Director of Strategy and Development at Electrum Holding. – This level of activity is unique in the Polish market and presents a certain organizational challenge. However, with a great team, knowledge, and experience, we successfully complete each stage of work – Jacek Popławski adds.
Currently, Electrum Group is involved in the implementation of several large-scale photovoltaic farms, including the first solar-wind hybrid power plant in Poland – Kleczew Solar & Wind. This 205 MW connection capacity investment for the Lewandpol Group is being built in Kleczew (Wielkopolska province). The completion of the first phase of work, involving the solar farm construction, is planned for the second half of 2023.
– This is one of the largest projects of this kind in Poland, so we pay special attention to the involvement of experienced Polish companies in the supply chain and the selection of the latest technologies. Additionally, the Kleczew project utilizes our proprietary solution – the active and reactive power regulator Renedium 1.0, enabling cooperation with multiple generating sources (wind, solar, water, biogas, energy storage, nuclear power, and others) – notes Karol Łapiński, Technical Director at Electrum Solutions
The Renedium 1.0 regulator was developed by Electrum Solutions, a part of the Electrum Group responsible for automation, products, and solutions used in its projects.
About Electrum
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the latest technology for the development, construction, and project management in the fields of energy and information. The technological expertise of its professionals enables them to provide products and services that respond to the changing needs of the industry and businesses in the midst of the ongoing energy transformation. They create and implement solutions and build projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of business and economic aspects.
For more information about the Electrum Group, you can visit our social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebooku and Instagramie.
About EDP Renewables
EDP Renewables Holdco S.A. is one of the leaders in the renewable energy sector and the fourth-largest producer worldwide. Operating in 28 countries, including China, the United States, Germany, and Brazil, the company is committed to building the most cost-competitive and efficient wind farms and solar power plants. It utilizes its experience in managing over 10 GW of installed capacity.
Electrum Group, a Climate Tech company from Białystok, is set to construct a 21 MW solar farm for R.Power. The installation will be located in Osów, Lubusz Voivodeship. This project is poised to become one of the largest photovoltaic undertakings in Poland, employing solar trackers provided by Solar Steel.
About project
The construction of the Osów solar farm represents the most significant joint project undertaken by Electrum Group, which operates in the energy sector in Central and Eastern Europe, and R.Power, an energy producer with a presence in Poland, Romania, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Electrum has previously designed, executed, and launched solar installations with a combined capacity of over 150 MW for this company within Poland.
The latest venture of both companies will incorporate innovative technologies. The project will feature Electrum’s unique proprietary solution, Renedium 1.0, a system for active and reactive power regulation that collaborates with various types of power generation units. This regulator will facilitate centralized energy production control, irrespective of source type, capacity, location, and complexity. Furthermore, with the innovative technology provided by Solar Steel’s TracSmarT+ 1V solar trackers, the photovoltaic farm in Osów will optimize energy production compared to fixed structures.
– Our goal is to accelerate the transformation of the energy system, so we maximize the energy generated in RES facilities, thus increasing the investor’s profits. This is possible thanks to the latest technologies available on the market, authored by us and our collaborating manufacturers – emphasizes Rafał Wiszejko, Project Manager at Electrum Group.– The Osów photovoltaic farm is another investment that we have carried out for R.Power in recent years. Our collaboration is running smoothly and, we believe, inspiring for both parties – Rafał Wiszejko concludes.
It is estimated that the installation in Osów will generate energy annually equivalent to the energy consumed by around 7,000 households, thereby avoiding emissions of over 4,200 tons of carbon dioxide.
About Electrum
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the latest technology for the development, construction, and project management in the fields of energy and information. The technological expertise of its professionals enables them to provide products and services that respond to the changing needs of the industry and businesses in the midst of the ongoing energy transformation. They create and implement solutions and build projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of business and economic aspects.
For more information about the Electrum Group, you can visit our social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebooku and Instagramie.
About R.Power
R.Power S.A. is a leading integrated, independent solar energy producer in Poland, with a growing presence in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Romania. R.Power S.A. covers the entire value chain of the solar energy sector, including the development of photovoltaic power plant projects, photovoltaic power plant construction (Engineering Procurement & Construction), power plant servicing (Operations & Maintenance), and green energy production (Independent Power Producer). The company is currently developing a portfolio of over 8.3 GWp of photovoltaic assets and has a low-risk project portfolio (built, under construction, or ready for construction) with a capacity of around 0.9 GWp.
The hybrid solar-wind power plant with a total connected capacity of 205 MW, owned by Lewandpol Group, is the latest project undertaken by the Polish engineering and technology group, Electrum. Electrum’s compensation for the work is estimated at around PLN 500 million, and the project is being carried out on former mining land in the Kleczew municipality in the Greater Poland Voivodeship. In addition to the photovoltaic and wind farm, the investment will eventually include an energy storage facility.
About the Project
The scope of tasks for which the Białystok-based Electrum Group is responsible encompasses project planning, construction, installation, and system assembly. Three companies within the Electrum Group, namely Electrum Concreo, Electrum Solutions, and Electrum Ventures, are involved in the implementation of the Kleczew Solar & Wind farm. Key suppliers for this extraordinary project include Jinko Solar, Huawei, Budmat, and Tele-Fonika Kable. This unique project was prepared by E&G from Lewandpol Group as the investor and Ergy as the asset manager.
– This is a strategic project for us and a step towards decarbonizing the Polish economy. Together with the Ergy team, we paid particular attention to selecting the most advanced technological solutions and involving experienced Polish companies in the supply chain. That’s why we decided to collaborate with Electrum as the general contractor and engage Jinko Solar, Huawei, Budmat, and Tele-Fonika Kable as significant suppliers – said Andrzej Lewandowski, CEO of Lewandpol Holding.
– The realization of such a large and innovative project requires the cooperation of all stakeholders – banks, independent advisors, contractors, technology suppliers, public administration, and landowners. As the entity managing the Kleczew Solar & Wind investment, we have the pleasure of working with all stakeholders and ensuring the most efficient project implementation – noted Marcin Kuprel, CEO of Ergy.
General RES Contractor and Benefits for the Investor
The execution of such a complex project by a general contractor offers a range of benefits to the investor. They don’t have to deal with the fragmentation of tasks assigned to various subcontractors during different phases of the investment. Any concerns or issues are directed to a single entity responsible for the schedule and the quality of work as defined in the GW agreement.
–We are the first Polish contractor for this type of hybrid RES power plant. The project aligns with our philosophy of paving the way and delivering solutions that can revolutionize the green energy system and accelerate the energy transformation – said Tomasz Taff, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Board at Electrum Concreo. – The new installation will allow for energy source diversification by supplementing solar energy with wind energy and vice versa, depending on local weather conditions – Tomasz Taff summarized.
–This is a significant realization, not only for our group but also one of the largest of its kind in Poland – assessed Kamil Kozicki, Project Manager at Electrum Concreo. –In the project, we want to implement our unique solution, the active and reactive power regulation system cooperating with various types of power generation units – the Renedium regulator. It will facilitate energy production control in one place, regardless of source type, capacity, location, and complexity, which is of paramount importance for hybrid power plants – added Kamil Kozicki.
Hybrid wind solar power plant – Solutions Applied in the Project
In the first phase of the investment, the photovoltaic power plant will be equipped with 710 chain inverters from Huawei, 23 Huawei transformer stations, and over 345,000 n-type photovoltaic modules supplied by Jinko Solar. The project also includes active and reactive power regulation, as well as Huawei inverters for intelligent management of the photovoltaic power plant by collecting and analyzing data from each chain. Alongside the construction of the photovoltaic farm, wind turbines are also planned to be added, and in the future, a battery energy storage facility. Additionally, Electrum Group is building GPO Sławoszewek and a more than 7-kilometer high-voltage line connecting the installation to GPZ Pątnów.
The completion of the first phase of the investment, which is thesolar farm construction, is scheduled for the second half of 2023, while the wind farm is set to be established in 2024. The construction of the energy storage facility is planned for a later stage of the project.
About Electrum
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the latest technology for the development, construction, and project management in the fields of energy and information. The technological expertise of its professionals enables them to provide products and services that respond to the changing needs of the industry and businesses in the midst of the ongoing energy transformation. They create and implement solutions and build projects based on the concept of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of business and economic aspects.
About Lewandpol Group
Lewandpol Group is one of the leading private Polish investors in the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector. It is owned by Andrzej Lewandowski, an entrepreneur and racing driver. Historically, the group was involved in wind farm investments in the development stage. Since 2014, the group has been developing investment activity in the “family office” formula, focusing on mature RES investments in Poland (i.e., at the ready-to-build or later stage). In addition to the construction and planned expansion of Kleczew Solar & Wind, the group also manages the Łańcut Wind Farm, which was built in 2015, and actively seeks further similar investments.
About Ergy
Ergy is a company that provides comprehensive asset management services for RES investors in Poland. The company currently manages a portfolio of RES assets under construction and in operation with a total capacity exceeding 450 MW. As part of the services provided to investment funds, energy-intensive companies, and developers, Ergy daily takes care of RES assets in commercial, technical, and financial aspects, conducts M&A transactions, secures financing, and sells electric energy through PPA agreements.
