Profil:
PGE SAPGE power and Poland's grid operator agree to extend operation of coal blocks at Rybnik power plant to 2027
Listed power utility PGE and Poland's grid operator PSE have agreed on a new schedule for the operation of coal blocks in PGE group's conventional power plants. The operating time of the blocks in Elektrownia Rybnik power plant has been extended until 2027, PGE said in a press release.
According to the arrangements, two blocks of Rybnik power plant, out of the currently operating four, will be used until the end of June 2026, and two more will also be operational in 2027.
The original deadline for the shutdown of the Rybnik power plant was set for the end of 2023.
"The dialogue conducted by PGE and PSE on the extension of the operation of the conventional blocks in Rybnik is an example of a responsible approach to the transformation of the Polish energy sector," said the government plenipotentiary for strategic energy infrastructure Wojciech Wrochna, quoted in the press release.
"I am convinced that both PGE and other players in the Polish energy sector will carry out further investments in new low-carbon generation capacities, which will enable the stable functioning of the national power system," he added.
The CEO of PGE Dariusz Marzec maintained the group's declarations regarding the responsible approach to issues arising from the decarbonisation process.
"(...) I stand by our declarations that PGE responsibly approaches social issues related to the decarbonisation process and as the management board we will take all possible measures to minimise negative impacts on local communities and our employees," Marzec said.
In the third quarter of 2024, PGE's unit, PGE Gryfino Dolna Odra, has launched two gas-fired units with a total gross capacity of 1366 MW, which will replace the conventional units operating there. The PGE group is also constructing a new 880 MW gas unit in Rybnik. The investment is to be completed at the turn of 2026 and 2027.
pel/ ao/