RWE Innogy builds 150 MW in northern Poland

RWE Innogy, the renewables subsidiary of German energy giant RWE, has secured three 50 MW wind projects in northern Poland through a contract with a local developer that it does not identify. The projects are still in an early phase of development. "Based on current planning, official approval of the wind farms is expected from 2011," the company says. In September, RWE Innogy acquired rights for development of other Polish wind farms in Masuria, Pomerania and the province of Greater Poland, totalling about 300 MW. It hopes to begin construction on them in 2010. In all, the company is developing Polish projects which could potentially provide 730 MW of new generating capacity. The first two wind farms -- in Suwalki, Masuria, and Tychowo, West Pomerania -- have a combined capacity of 76 MW. They are to be built next year using Siemens 2.3 MW turbines. "The Polish wind market is one of the most attractive in Europe and has huge potential for development," comments Roy Schwarzer, division manager for onshore wind at RWE Innogy. By 2010, energy utilities in Poland are required to provide 10.4% of energy consumption from renewable energy, rising to 15% by 2020. According to calculations by Polish grid operator PSE, 4 GW of wind power is in the pipeline for installation by 2010 to achieve this target, says RWE Innogy. At present, about 400 MW of wind power is connected to the grid.