The region is today a leader in the development of wind energy. It is in the coastal belt and its immediate vicinity Poland has the best wind conditions. The importance of renewable energy sources in the functioning of the local economy of western Pomerania was discussed during the conference "Renewable energy sources in the Polish-German borderland" by Holger Gallas - member of the Sevivon board.
- As a company present on the Polish market for over 20 years, we are perfectly familiar with the specific character of West Pomerania and the advantages of this location for the development of onshore wind farms. One of the projects we have implemented in this region is the Krzęcin wind farm, commissioned a year ago, consisting of eight turbines with a capacity of 19.2 MW - emphasised Holger Gallas.
The conference "Renewable Energy Sources in the Polish-German Borderland" was an opportunity to discuss the technological changes currently taking place in wind energy. The onshore turbines used today are capable of delivering power at a level of 2-3 MW. However, in the area of research and prototyping, there are solutions that will produce devices of up to 7 MW and more. Their widespread use will involve increasing the distance between turbines, which today is about 300-500 metres, and soon new facilities will be located 800-1000 metres apart.
- The Zachodniopomorskie region is the leader in wind energy in Poland and in wind power in the country. This is a very large potential that should be exploited. Technological change in wind energy - i.e. building taller towers and installing rotors with larger diameters definitely increase the efficiency of the turbines," points out Holger Gallas. - A modern turbine can deliver 22-24 GWh/year. This is more than twice as much as turbine designs currently used onshore.
The Sevivon representative highlighted the importance of developing hydrogen initiatives in West Pomerania. He pointed out that the technology will be important from the point of view of transport or the greening of heating. However, a key area for the use of hydrogen technology will be energy-intensive industry. Hydrogen can significantly accelerate the decarbonisation of production and facilitate the achievement of EU climate targets by companies.
- Currently, the development of renewable energy sources in Poland faces many challenges to which the industry, government administration, local authorities and distribution system operators must respond. A dynamic development of the distribution and transmission network is necessary," stressed H. Gallas. - It is not without significance, from the point of view of our more than 20 years of experience on the Polish market, to maintain stable legislation and to streamline formal procedures as much as possible. At the same time, in the strategic sense, RES should be treated as a key element of energy security and financial stability of self-governments. It is also a guarantee of lower energy prices for consumers and households.
The conference was part of the Polish-German Cooperation Days 2023 - Strong Region, Common Goals. This is a series of meetings and events organised by the City of Szczecin highlighting cross-border cooperation between Szczecin and German cities and partners. The event is annual, with the first edition held in 2016. It provided an opportunity for the exchange of experiences and discussions between experts, including on the development of renewable energy sources in West Pomerania.