A power grid contractor is an entity that specializes in the comprehensive implementation of investments related to the construction and modernization of power grids. The general contractor provides its clients with services at every stage of the project, from technical and economic analysis to obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, through to construction and installation work, as well as maintenance and facility management.
Key Areas of Activity for General Contractors in Power Grids
One of the primary areas of power grid contractors activities is:
Solar and wind farms are alternative sources of renewable energy (RES). Photovoltaic and wind farms are installations that harness solar energy and wind to generate electrical power. They are increasingly chosen by investors due to their ecological, economic, and social benefits.
Key Responsibilities of the Power Grid Contractor
The construction of photovoltaic and wind farms requires power grid contractor to have the appropriate knowledge and experience in terms of:
design,
equipment selection,
installation,
and grid connection.
The General Contractor for Power Grids must also ensure the safety and quality of the work and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Some of the key tasks of power grid contractors include:
Conducting a location analysis, considering climatic conditions, infrastructure availability, and energy potential (In this article, you will learn how to choose the best location for solar panels?).
Developing the technical and business concept of the project, including the choice of optimal technology, capacity, and scale of the farm.
Preparing project documentation, including negotiating grid connection terms with the system operator.
Obtaining the necessary permits, approvals, and administrative decisions, including environmental, construction, and energy-related.
Carrying out earthworks, foundation work, road construction, and other necessary tasks to prepare the land for farm construction.
Delivering, assembling, and connecting photovoltaic modules (PV panels) or wind turbines to the grid, along with the necessary electrical equipment and automation.
Conducting tests and technical acceptance of the installation, including power and energy quality measurements.
Handing over the farm to the investor or operator for operation.
After the construction…
After the construction of a photovoltaic or wind farm is completed, GWSE can also provide servicing and maintenance services for the installation. These services include:
Monitoring the operation of the farm using remote monitoring and control systems.
Performing periodic technical inspections and equipment maintenance.
Repairing any faults or malfunctions in the installation.
Optimizing the operation of the farm to increase its energy and economic efficiency.
Summary
The tasks of the General Contractor for Power Grids are diverse and demanding. GWSE must possess high technical, organizational, and legal qualifications, as well as flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the client. Only in this way can GWSE ensure the highest level of investment implementation and contribute to the development of the RES sector.
Electrum Group, a leading Polish Climate Tech business, has begun the implementation of another large-scale project as the general contractor. The construction of two photovoltaic farms with a combined installed capacity of 117.1 MW has just commenced in the locations of Sztum and Mikołajki Pomorskie in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The completion of both projects is scheduled for spring 2025.
The power plants in Sztum and Mikołajki Pomorskie mark the second collaboration between Electrum and PAD RES, a prominent Polish developer in the clean energy sector, and the sixth major project announced by the contractor this year. In recent months, Electrum has completed work on a joint venture with Nofar Energy on a solar farm in Krzywińskie, and on September 21, as part of its cooperation with investor EDP Renewables, Electrum Group officially inaugurated the construction of a power plant in Przykona. Additionally, Electrum plans to expand into international markets.
„PV Sztum and PV Mikołajki are significant projects for Electrum. We are progressively working towards our goal and utilizing technology and knowledge to build the energy infrastructure of the future. The projected annual production of PV Sztum and PV Mikołajki will have the capacity to power up to 65,000 households” – said Robert Rogowski, Senior Project Manager at Electrum Group.
The Sztum power plant is a comprehensive project, including photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 86.1 MW, spread across two smaller farms with a total area of 113.3 hectares – PV Barlewice (65.8 MW DC) and PV Koślinka (20.3 MW DC). Adequate connections between the components of the complex will be ensured by two medium-voltage power lines of approximately 30 kV and a common length of about 13 kilometers, while the critical point responsible for connecting to the power grid will be the GPO Kępina substation.
The smaller installation, the photovoltaic farm in Mikołajki Pomorskie, has a production capacity of 31 MW on an area of 50 hectares, distributed between PV Mikołajki (5 MW DC) and PV Gdakowo (26 MW DC). In this case, investments have also been made in extensive supporting infrastructure, including nearly 5 kilometers of power lines and a high-voltage line with a length of about 500 meters. The power grid will be connected to the farm through the GPO Mikołajki substation, operating at a voltage of 110/30 kV.
The finalization of formalities related to the implementation was announced in August of this year. The construction of both farms simultaneously began in September, with their completion expected in the spring of 2025.
Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business based in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the field of cutting-edge technology development, project construction, and management in the energy and information sectors. The technological maturity of its experts allows them to deliver products and services that respond to the evolving needs of the industry and businesses in line with the ongoing energy transformation. Electrum creates and implements solutions and builds projects based on the idea of an individual energy mix, striking a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of the business and its economic aspect.
Climate Tech refers to modern technologies that aid in combating climate change. Among these are alternative energy systems, which are essential for a sustainable future.
Alternative energy encompasses various technologies, such as the solar farm construction or wind farms construction. These power plants use renewable energy sources like the sun and wind to generate electricity. Thanks to them, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to environmental protection.
Remember, Climate Tech technologies are our future. With their help, we can create a world that is sustainable and safe for future generations.
Climate Tech Trends
Climate Tech technologies in the power industry also cover a wide range of innovations aimed at combating climate change. The future of the power sector looks promising, focusing on creating more sustainable and efficient energy systems. Below are some key trends.
Accelerating the Development of Renewable Energy Systems
As technologies become more advanced, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are becoming more efficient and accessible.
Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
As the world strives to reach net-zero emissions, fossil fuels are gradually being phased out in favor of cleaner energy sources.
Expanding the Power Grid
To meet the growing demand for energy, power grids must be expanded and modernized.
Decarbonizing Industry
Industry is one of the main sources of carbon dioxide emissions, so decarbonization is crucial to achieving climate goals.
Power Electronics
Power electronics play a key role in converting voltages and currents from one level to another, which is essential for the efficient use of energy.
Engineering Innovations
Breakthrough engineering discoveries, such as perovskite solar cells, solid-state batteries, nuclear energy, and smart grids, are shaping the future of the energy sector.
All these trends aim to create a more sustainable and efficient future for the power industry.
A charitable balloon filled with music will once again rise into the air over the most charming areas of Podlasie as part of the Second Flying Ambient Salon campaign. The project’s goal is to support the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation, which takes care of improving the lives of seniors. Those willing to support the campaign and experience a unique flight in the air with the sounds of Ambient still have a chance to participate in a special online fundraiser.
The unique formula of the Flying Ambient Salon combines unforgettable experiences offered by a balloon flight with an artistic feast for music lovers. The event is organized for the second time. Last year, thanks to the generosity of donors, the organizers of the campaign raised over 20,000 PLN, which was donated to the Give Children Strength Foundation.
In this year’s edition of the Flying Ambient Salon, we want to draw attention to the fact that by taking care of the future of our planet, it is worth remembering the people who took care of it in the past. For this reason, we have decided that the entire amount collected as part of the campaign will go to the Prophet Elijah Hospice Foundation. We are delighted that, just like last year, we can collaborate with the Up To Date Festival in such a noble cause, and an extraordinary artist from the domestic Ambient scene, known as Botanica, has also joined our efforts,– says Agata Kalinowska, Brand Business Partner at the Electrum Group, the organizer of the event.
The Second Flying Ambient Salon will be realized with the participation of a producer and DJ hiding under the pseudonym Botanica. Botanica creates relaxing ambient music, sometimes interspersed with rhythmic tracks bordering on dub techno and house. The artist is an enthusiast of field recordings, which he uses in his compositions and publishes on his Bandcamp profile. His recordings appear in film productions, during yoga classes, in relaxation and meditation apps, and as the musical background of design exhibitions. So far, Botanica’s productions have been released by labels such as MOST, Father And Son Records & Tapes, Dom Trojga, and Neoviolence. The artist’s recordings are available online on his profiles at https://sayyestobotanica.bandcamp.com/ and https://soundcloud.com/thisisbotanica.
“We are delighted that, as the Up To Date Festival, we have the opportunity to co-create the Second Flying Ambient Salon. In the past, we undertook various activities for seniors. We painted murals, organized intergenerational dances – it’s easy, light, and enjoyable to talk about it, but it’s not easy to talk about those who are slowly leaving us. Together with Electrum, we take on this challenge and invite you to help. Let’s remember the generations that were here before us and to whom we owe a lot,” – says Jędrzej Dondziło, co-creator of the campaign and Program Director of the Up To Date Festival.
People interested in participating in a visual and musical feast during a balloon flight over Narwia and Knyszyn Forest can still take part in the online fundraiser at https://zrzutka.pl/6zy4h9. The event is planned for September 25, 26, 27, and 28, depending on the weather. The launch is expected at around 4:00 PM. The campaign can also be supported in other ways, such as purchasing attractive “bricks,” for example, a yoga lesson.
About Electrum
The Electrum Group is a leading Polish Climate Tech business headquartered in Białystok, offering comprehensive solutions in the latest technology for the development, construction, and management of projects in the energy and information sectors. The technological maturity of its experts allows it to provide products and services that meet the changing needs of the industry and business as they evolve with the ongoing energy transformation. It creates and implements solutions and builds projects based on the idea of an individual energy mix, maintaining a balance between the social and environmental responsibility of business and the economic aspect.
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.
