Poland proposes advancing renewable energy integration through the use of cable pooling

Poland

The recent proposal for amending the Act on Renewable Energy Sources expressed in the Act of 7 July 2023 on Amendments to the Act on Renewable Energy Sources and Certain Other Laws (Draft Amendment), which implements the RED II directive, is expected to attract widespread attention following the Senate's decision to add regulations enhancing the integration of multiple renewable energy sources (RES) installations at a single connection point (i.e. cable pooling).

Cable pooling and its benefits

Cable pooling involves the simultaneous connection of multiple renewable energy installations to the same connection point. This approach can optimise energy generation profiles, resulting in a stable output by leveraging the diversity of renewable sources. The 'hybridisation' of projects through cable pooling can enable better utilisation of existing connections, leading to improved capacity factors and operational efficiency. In Poland, cable pooling is also seen as a tool to partially address the scarcity of available connection capacity.

Regulatory landscape

Despite its potential benefits, Poland's renewable energy sector has faced limitations because there are no specific regulations governing cable pooling. The proposed amendments by the Senate address this gap, endorsing the implementation of cable pooling projects in the country. The amendments outline provisions for both single-owner projects and multi-owner projects, which will need agreements among participating entities.

Framework for multi-owner projects

Under the Draft Amendment, for multi-owner projects, successful implementation of a cable-pooling project requires a prior agreement between the entities involved. Such an agreement will delineate responsibilities, rights, and obligations arising from grid-connection conditions, grid-connection agreements, and transmission or distribution service agreements. In particular, rules for the distribution of financial compensation between the parties to the agreement in the event of re-dispatching and the determination of the location of metering points specific to individual installations must be established to ensure the smooth collaboration between owners of participating installations and key stakeholders.

Technical requirements and support mechanisms

The Draft Amendment also introduces technical prerequisites for cable-pooling projects. Grid connection agreements for RES installations following the cable-pooling model must specify location and technical parameters for metering systems. In cases where the installed capacity exceeds connection capacity, mechanisms to safeguard against overloading should be outlined.

A significant part of the proposed amendments is their applicability to projects participating in auction-based support mechanisms for renewable energy. This inclusion offers flexibility for developers, allowing them to leverage the benefits of cable pooling while participating in auctions.

Conclusion

The Senate's proposed amendments represent a pivotal moment for Poland's renewable energy sector. The potential integration of cable pooling promises to enhance the stability, efficiency, and capacity factor of renewable-energy installations. The upcoming August session of the Polish parliament will play a key role in determining the fate of these amendments, and their subsequent implementation may contribute to the possibility of implementing hybrid RES projects in Poland on a larger scale.

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