Poland Leads Solar Power Surge in Central and Eastern Europe
Warsaw, Thursday, 22 August 2024.
Poland’s solar energy production soared 33.3% in 2024, spearheading a remarkable 55% growth in Central and Eastern Europe’s solar sector from January to July. This surge outpaces Western Europe, signaling a significant shift towards renewable energy in the region.
Hungary’s Impressive Growth
While Poland leads the charge, Hungary has also showcased remarkable progress with a 47.7% increase in solar power production, generating 5.8 Terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024. This rapid growth highlights Hungary’s commitment to renewable energy and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in electricity generation by 2050[1].
Regional Leaders in Solar Energy
The five largest solar energy producers in Central and Eastern Europe—Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Poland—collectively increased their solar energy production by 55% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This growth rate surpasses that of Western, Southern, and Northern Europe, underscoring the region’s accelerated shift towards sustainable energy sources[1].
Key Projects Driving Innovation
One of the most notable projects contributing to this surge is the 400 MW solar park in Apriltsi, Bulgaria. This project stands out for its innovative design, where solar panels are elevated 2.2 meters above the ground to allow agricultural activities to continue underneath. Such dual-purpose land use not only maximizes energy production but also maintains agricultural productivity[1].
Equinor’s Role in Poland’s Renewable Energy Landscape
Equinor, a major player in Poland’s renewable energy sector, is actively involved in both onshore and offshore projects. The company is developing the Bałtyk triplets offshore wind projects with a total capacity of 3 GW, sufficient to power over 4 million households. Equinor’s subsidiaries, Wento and BeGreen, are also expanding their onshore renewable energy projects, with Wento operating three solar plants and an onshore wind park totaling approximately 200 MW[2].
Technological Innovations
Polish scientists have developed a new type of dye concentrator that improves photovoltaic (PV) cell yield, increasing power generation by 1.21%. Additionally, the PGE Group in Poland has launched a tender for a battery storage facility with a minimum capacity of 900 MWh, aiming to enhance the stability and efficiency of the solar power grid[3].
International Collaboration
The UK and Poland have jointly guaranteed a €249 million loan for the construction of Turkey’s second-largest solar power plants. This 390 MW project will significantly boost Turkey’s renewable energy capacity and is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 65,000 households annually. The project will also create new business opportunities for Polish companies in Turkey, particularly in the manufacturing and logistics sectors[4][5].
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the five largest solar energy producers in Central and Eastern Europe are poised to surpass their Western European counterparts by 2029. With ongoing investments and technological advancements, the region is set to play a pivotal role in the global transition towards sustainable energy[1].