Wärtsilä’s report demonstrates extensive benefits of co-optimising Poland’s power and heat sectors

Powering Poland’s Future: Optimising the Power System and District Heating for the Next Decade

Introduction

Technology group Wärtsilä has developed a pragmatic and cost-effective strategy for Poland to transition from coal-dominated power and district heating (DH) systems to an energy system that runs mainly on renewables. In the new report, the modelling shows that the co-optimisation of Poland’s power and DH sectors over the next decade could save a cumulative €3.8 billion and reduce annual CO2 emissions in the power and DH sectors by 57% by 2032, despite the expected growth in electricity demand.

Challenges in Decarbonisation

The report titled “Powering Poland’s Future: Optimising the Power System and District Heating for the Next Decade” addresses Poland’s specific challenges related to the decarbonisation of its aged and inefficient coal-powered DH systems.

“Decarbonisation of district heating is technologically more difficult than of the power system. Wärtsilä’s study shows the path to decarbonisation by highlighting the importance of establishing flexible generating assets within DH systems. The deployment of heat pumps and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) gas engines has a pivotal role in balancing intermittent renewable generation,” says Louis Strydom, Director, Growth and Development at Wärtsilä Energy.

Co-optimisation of Power and DH Sectors

In the Polish power sector, the investments so far have mainly focused on large combined cycle gas turbine plants, overlooking the potential of coupling the power and DH sectors. Wärtsilä’s modelling results show that by co-optimising these sectors, Poland can reach several economic and energy milestones over the next decade. These include an increase in the renewable energy share from 29% in 2023 to 68% in 2032 and a reduction of the coal share in power production from 61% to 26% and in heat production from 80% to 8% by 2032.

“Despite inherent challenges, the future is bright for Poland’s power and DH systems. Our study shows that the knowledge and technology for optimising these sectors exist, offering myriad socio-economic opportunities along the way. The co-optimisation guarantees not only a more sustainable and efficient energy mix but also the most cost-effective transition pathway. Wärtsilä has the capabilities and experience to support Poland in its energy transition,” comments Louis Strydom.

Conclusion

Wärtsilä has modelled and analysed nearly 200 power systems to identify optimal system design to support the integration of renewables and reduce operational costs and emissions.

You can read the full version of the study here: Powering Poland’s Future: Optimising the Power System and District Heating for the Next Decade

Contact Information

Media contact for more information on this release:

• Katri Pehkonen
• Communications Manager
• Wärtsilä Energy
• Mob: +358 50 591 6180
• katri.pehkonen@wartsila.com

Image caption: The new study outlines the best way to co-optimise Poland’s power and heat sectors. Wärtsilä’s flexible gas engines have the potential to add significant value to the green transition of Polish district heating. © Wärtsilä

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Wärtsilä Energy in Brief

Wärtsilä Energy leads the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our partners to accelerate their decarbonisation journeys through our market-leading technologies and power system modelling expertise. These cover decarbonisation services, future-fuel enabled balancing power plants, hybrid solutions, energy storage and optimisation technology, including the GEMS Digital Energy Platform. Wärtsilä Energy’s lifecycle services are designed to increase efficiency, promote reliability, and guarantee operational performance. Our track record comprises 79 GW of power plant capacity and 125 energy storage systems delivered to 180 countries around the world.

Website: www.wartsila.com/energy

Wärtsilä in Brief

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasize innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totaled EUR 6.0 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

Website: www.wartsila.com

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Number of countries that have communicated the mobilization of domestic financial resources in support of climate action

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
   • Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted)

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
– Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer.
– Indicator 13.2.2: Number of countries that have communicated the mobilization of domestic financial resources in support of climate action.
– Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5) in cities (population weighted).

The article mentions that Poland can increase its renewable energy share from 29% in 2023 to 68% in 2032, which can be measured using Indicator 7.2.1. It also highlights the importance of integrating climate change measures into national policies and the mobilization of domestic financial resources, which can be measured using Indicators 13.2.1 and 13.2.2. Additionally, the article mentions the need to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, particularly air quality, which can be measured using Indicator 11.6.2.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.