Poland’s Ministry of Energy is currently reviewing proposed amendments to the Regulation on the Detailed Conditions for Operating the Gas System, changes expected to streamline connections to the national gas transmission network. The revisions, currently under consultation, are anticipated to facilitate investment in natural gas-fired power plants as the country navigates its energy transition.
The draft amendment focuses on easing the process for connecting novel facilities, including power plants, to the existing gas infrastructure. According to a recent analysis by Dentons, the changes are intended to positively impact investments in gas-fired power generation, particularly as these plants are increasingly viewed as crucial for grid stability alongside the expansion of renewable energy sources.
Gas-fired power plants are expected to play a significant role in the Polish power system over the next two decades, offering flexibility in stabilizing the grid and providing essential system services to support the integration of variable renewables. Natural gas is also being considered as a transitional fuel, aiding Poland’s broader shift towards a more sustainable energy mix.
The national gas transmission network is operated by GAZ-SYSTEM, designated by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) to ensure the continuity and reliability of gas transportation throughout Poland. Polska Spółka Gazownictwa, a subsidiary of the PGNiG Capital Group, operates the national gas distribution system.
Investment in gas-fired units will require navigating a complex regulatory landscape, encompassing location planning, environmental impact assessments, grid connection procedures, construction permits, and compliance with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Developers will also need to consider potential mechanisms for generating additional revenue for these units.
The Ministry of Energy’s consultation on the draft amendment is ongoing, with no confirmed date for the final implementation of the revised regulations.
