Have you ever wondered what the future of energy looks like? Energy transformation is not just a trendy phrase but a necessity of our times. In an era of increasing ecological awareness and climate change, shifting to renewable energy sources seems to be the only reasonable direction. But what does this exactly entail, and what challenges does it bring?
A Game-Changing Example
Let’s look at a unique example of energy transformation – a small community that decided to switch entirely to green energy. How did they do it? Let’s start with wind and sun, which became their main allies. But the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow, right? Therefore, the key turned out to be energy storage and smart management.
Innovations Driving Change
Are technological innovations necessary for energy transformation? Absolutely! Our unique case shows how modern solutions, such as smart grids and advanced storage systems, can completely change the game. But it’s not just about technology – a change in mindset and willingness to adapt are equally important.
Community Comes First
What was the key to success in our case study? The community! People who understood that only by joining forces could they make a real change. Local actions with a global impact – that’s the message from our story. Involving residents in the decision-making process and giving them a real influence on shaping the future of energy proved to be a golden shot.
Conclusion: Transformation is Possible
In conclusion, energy transformation is not just about technology and innovations. It’s primarily about people and their determination to change. Our unique case study shows that even small communities can have a significant impact on the future of our planet. Are we ready to follow this path? I leave this question to you, dear readers.
Instability of Renewable Energy Sources: A Challenge for the Polish Energy Market
In the last decade, Poland has built thousands of wind and solar power plants with a total capacity of over 24 GW. Unfortunately, renewable energy sources are characterized by high instability due to the seasonality of winds, sunlight mainly in summer and only during daylight hours, and periodic droughts causing a decrease in river water levels.
Gravitational Energy Storage: An Innovative Solution
A potential solution could be gravitational energy storage systems, which are set to revolutionize the renewable energy market. Gravitational energy storages work similarly to pumped-storage hydroelectric stations. Water is replaced by steel blocks that are lifted by reversible electric motors through a system of steel cables and pulleys. The main advantage of such storages is the constant, invariably high efficiency of the installation and the possibility of recycling at a level of over 99.9%.
Balancing Demand: The Role of Energy Storage
Energy storages are not just a way to balance the demand for electricity, but also a tool for stabilizing energy grids. During periods of overproduction, when demand is low, excess energy can be stored in these storages. When energy demand increases, energy storages can deliver power to the grid, helping to stabilize voltage and frequency.
Impact of Energy Storages on the Stability of Power Grids
Energy storages can even out fluctuations in electricity production and demand, which is particularly important for renewable energy sources known for their high instability.
Towards a Zero-Emission Direction: Energy Storage as a Key to Success
Thanks to energy storages, it is possible to increase connection capacities at low costs for expanding the power grid. This creates conditions for a smooth transition towards a zero-emission economy by increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, consequently phasing out production in conventional power plants. This, in turn, should significantly reduce and stabilize energy prices in the country. The conclusion is clear: energy storages are a key element in the renewable energy revolution.
Green hydrogen is a fuel that is created from the electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) such as wind, solar or biomass. Green hydrogen has many advantages, such as:
It is clean and does not emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases during combustion.
It is versatile and can be used to power vehicles, heat buildings, store energy or produce other fuels such as ammonia or methanol.
It is efficient and has a high energy density, meaning that more energy can be stored and transported in less space than other fuels.
Green hydrogen is considered one of the key solutions for achieving climate neutrality and energy transition. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), green hydrogen could meet up to 19% of global energy demand by 2050 if the right technical, political and economic conditions are met. Some of these conditions are:
Reducing the cost of green hydrogen production and distribution through the development and scaling of technologies, infrastructure and markets.
Increasing investment and support for green hydrogen projects from both the public and private sectors.
Establish common standards and regulations for the quality, safety and sustainability of green hydrogen at national and international levels.
Green hydrogen is the fuel of the future that can contribute to combating climate change and improving the quality of life of people around the world. As a Climate Tech company, we are proud to be part of this energy revolution and support the development of green hydrogen in Poland and around the world.
Wind is one of the cleanest and cheapest sources of renewable energy (RES). In Poland, where more than 70% of electricity comes from coal, the development of wind farms can be a key step towards a green transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wind farms are clusters of wind turbines that harness the power of the wind to generate electricity. How big is the wind energy potential in Poland and what are the benefits of building wind farms?
According to a report by the Polish Wind Energy Association (PWEA), Poland has the potential to install more than 50 GW of onshore and offshore wind capacity by 2050. This means that wind could cover more than 40% of the country’s electricity needs. Currently, Poland has around 6 GW of onshore wind capacity and plans to build another 11 GW offshore by 2030. This makes Poland one of the leaders in the region in terms of wind energy development.
The construction of wind farms has many benefits for the economy, the environment and society. Firstly, wind farms are a source of cheap and stable energy that does not depend on fossil fuel prices. According to PWEA, the cost of generating energy from wind onshore is around 200 PLN/MWh and offshore around 300 PLN/MWh, while the cost of energy from coal is around 350 PLN/MWh. Secondly, wind farms contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and other pollutants that have a negative impact on human health and climate. According to PWEA, onshore wind farms avoided more than 14 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2019, equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 7 million passenger cars. Thirdly, wind farms create new jobs and income for local communities. According to PWEA, the wind energy sector employed more than 12,000 people in 2019 and could create more than 77,000 new jobs by 2030. In addition, wind farms pay local taxes and fees, which can be used for infrastructure development, education, culture and environmental protection.
Wind farms are therefore an important part of Poland’s RES build-up, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 23% by 2030 and to 50% by 2050. To achieve this, however, appropriate policy and regulation is needed to support investment and public acceptance of wind farms. Some of the challenges faced by the industry are legal restrictions, bureaucracy, public resistance and lack of grid infrastructure. Therefore, dialogue and cooperation between all stakeholders, including government, local authorities, investors, operators, NGOs and residents, is necessary. Only in this way can the full potential of wind energy be realised.
Photovoltaics in Poland is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sectors, and one of the most cost-effective ways for companies to reduce their electricity costs.
The development of photovoltaics in Poland, from the perspective of companies and industry, is an investment with many benefits, both economic and environmental. Here are some of them:
Reduction of electricity bills by up to 90%. On average, electricity costs account for about 20% of a company’s overall expenditure, and in some industries even more. Photovoltaics allow you to produce your own energy, which is cheaper and more stable than that from the grid.
Increased energy independence and security of supply. Photovoltaics ensure that your business continues to operate even in the event of a grid failure or energy unavailability. In addition, thanks to energy storage, surplus energy can be stored for own use.
Improved corporate image and environmental awareness. Photovoltaics is one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly ways of generating energy. By using photovoltaics, a company demonstrates its commitment to climate protection and the reduction of CO2 emissions.
The development of photovoltaics for companies in Poland operates on similar principles to photovoltaics for single-family houses, with some differences. Depending on the power and type of installation, a company can benefit from one of the following solutions:
RES micro-installations of less than 150 kWp – for smaller companies. In this case, the company can benefit from net-metering or net-billing, i.e. the billing of surplus photovoltaic energy to the grid.
Small RES installations from 150 kWp to 1 MWp – for hotels, spas, etc. In this case, the company can sell photovoltaic energy to the grid on the basis of a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), i.e. a long-term agreement to purchase energy at a fixed price.
RES installations above 1 MWp – for production facilities. In this case, the company can sell photovoltaic energy through the RES auction, a support system for renewable energy producers
Photovoltaics for companies is an investment that pays for itself after seven years on average, and sometimes even faster, which is why we are also seeing intensive development in Poland. The development of photovoltaics in Poland will intensify in the coming years. According to the report ‚Photovoltaic market in Poland 2022’, depending on the scenario, the market may grow by as much as 343% relative to 2021, to 34.1 GWp of cumulative capacity in 2027. This growth will be driven by rising electricity prices, the development of the prosumer market, government and EU support, as well as the growing environmental awareness of society and entrepreneurs. Photovoltaics in Poland is therefore becoming not only a beneficial but also a necessary solution for business.
Climate Tech is an emerging trend in the technology industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. Climate Tech encompasses a wide range of solutions such as renewable energy, energy storage, low-carbon transport, sustainable agriculture, smart buildings, the closed-loop economy and many more.
The Climate Tech revolution is being driven by growing public and political awareness of the risks of climate change, as well as technological advances and falling costs of certain technologies. According to a PwC report, the global Climate Tech market has grown from $418 billion in 2013 to over $600 billion in 2019, with an annual growth rate of 13%.
Climate Tech has the potential to not only reduce negative environmental impacts, but also create new economic and social opportunities. For example, according to the International Energy Agency, the transition to clean energy could create more than 40 million jobs by 2050. In addition, Climate Tech can help improve people’s quality of life by providing clean air, water, food and health.
Climate Tech is not only a technical issue, but also a cultural and social one. To achieve the full potential of Climate Tech, there needs to be collaboration across sectors, regions and countries, as well as community and consumer engagement. Climate Tech is not only a way to fight climate change, but also an opportunity to create a better world for us and future generations.
Wind Farm Service is a provision that involves regular checking and repairing of wind turbines to ensure their optimal performance and reliability. Servicing wind farms is crucial as it allows for the full potential of this renewable energy source to be harnessed, which brings numerous environmental and economic benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, as wind energy does not require the burning of fossil fuels.
Conservation of natural resources, since wind energy is unlimited and independent of fossil fuel prices and availability.
Creation of jobs and local development, as wind energy requires skilled labor for construction, operation, and maintenance of wind farms.
To enjoy these benefits, it is vital to maintain the technical condition of wind farms, as wind turbines are subject to various factors such as weather conditions, material wear, mechanical or electrical damage, which can affect their efficiency and lifespan. Therefore, servicing wind farms is essential to prevent failures, extend the lifespan of turbines, increase energy production, and reduce operating costs.
Wind Farm Service is a professional and comprehensive service offering a wide range of activities, such as:
Inspection and diagnostics of wind turbines to detect and assess potential problems or damages.
Repair and replacement of parts or components of wind turbines to restore their functionality and safety.
Maintenance and cleaning of wind turbines to ensure their optimal operation and extend their lifespan.
Upgrading and optimizing wind turbines to improve their performance and adapt to changing market and technological conditions.
Wind Farm Service is a worthwhile investment as it not only ensures the reliability and efficiency of wind farms but also enhances their value and attractiveness to investors and energy consumers. Wind Farm Service guarantees that wind energy will serve people and the planet for many years to come.
Energy infrastructure comprises a set of devices and facilities used for generating, transmitting, distributing, and storing various types of energy, such as electricity, gas, petroleum, and CO2. This infrastructure is essential for ensuring access to energy for the population, economy, and environmental protection.
Ensuring the stability of energy sources is vital for economic, social, and ecological development. Stable energy sources guarantee the continuity of electricity supply, reduce the risk of failures, and prevent excessive use of natural resources. Therefore, regular servicing and modernization of energy sources, such as power plants, solar panels, wind turbines, and biogas plants, are necessary. Servicing energy sources involves checking their technical condition, replacing worn-out parts, repairing damages, and optimizing performance. The benefits of servicing energy sources include:
Enhancing the safety and reliability of the energy system,
Reducing the operational and maintenance costs of energy sources,
Improving the quality and purity of electric energy,
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants,
Extending the lifespan and increasing the profitability of energy sources.
Thus, servicing energy sources is not only a duty but also an investment in the future. Thanks to this, we can enjoy stable, affordable, and eco-friendly access to energy that powers our lives and activities.
The transformation of the Energy Industry is a key challenge for Poland and the world, as it requires a change in the way electricity and heat are generated and distributed. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, sun, water, and biomass, offer many advantages, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fossil fuel consumption, and greater energy independence. However, to effectively utilize these sources, a comprehensive approach to planning the acquisition and generation of power is needed, taking into account their variability, dispersion, and costs.
A comprehensive approach to planning the acquisition and generation of power from renewable sources involves the integration of various technologies, systems, and strategies that ensure optimal use of resources and energy demand. Some of these elements include:
Development of smart grids, which enable communication and coordination between producers, consumers, and network operators, as well as automatic adjustment to changing conditions and behaviors.
Introduction of energy storage, which allows for the accumulation of excess energy during periods of low demand and its release during periods of high demand, increasing the flexibility and stability of the system.
Application of demand response systems, which involve encouraging or limiting energy consumption by consumers depending on the availability and price of energy, reducing peak demand and network load.
Use of information and communication technologies (ICT), which enable the collection, processing, and analysis of data on the state and operation of the energy system, improving its efficiency, safety, and quality.
Optimization of renewable energy installations management using modern systems such as EMACS. EMACS integrates data from various sources, such as inverters, meters, sensors, weather and energy market forecasts, and presents it in a clear and intuitive way. EMACS allows for real-time monitoring of renewable energy installations, analyzing their performance and profitability, optimizing their parameters, and planning maintenance. EMACS is also a tool for reporting and auditing, which facilitates compliance with legal and contractual requirements. Thus, EMACS is not only a SCADA system but also a business analysis system that helps owners and operators of renewable energy installations make better decisions and increase their competitiveness in the market.
The transformation of the Energy Industry is a long-term and complex process that requires the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders, such as the government, private sector, social organizations, and citizens. However, it is necessary and possible to ensure sustainable development and a better quality of life for future generations.
Creativity is a key factor in the development of renewable energy sources (RES). It gives rise to new engineering solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize negative environmental impact. Some examples of creative projects related to RES include:
Artificial leaves that mimic the process of photosynthesis, producing oxygen and hydrogen from water and sunlight.
Flying wind turbines that harness stronger and more stable winds at high altitudes and transmit energy to the ground via cables.
Perovskite solar panels, which have the potential to achieve higher efficiency and lower cost compared to traditional silicon panels.
These and many other ideas illustrate how creativity supports the development of RES and provides innovative engineering solutions. Creativity is not only a source of inspiration but also a tool for problem-solving and creating a better world.
Engineers and automation experts are constantly seeking new solutions like those mentioned above, as well as finding unconventional uses for existing solutions. Floating solar farms exemplify this approach and represent one of the latest trends in renewable energy. Here are some key facts about them:
Floating solar farms make use of water surfaces that are often underutilized or inaccessible for other purposes, such as recreation, tourism, or agriculture.
They exhibit higher efficiency compared to traditional land-based farms because they are cooled by the water and can track the movement of the sun.
Floating solar farms can also benefit the environment by reducing water evaporation, inhibiting algae growth, and preventing shoreline erosion.
