Laureates
Leaders of the Energy World Competition for 2021
Investment of the Year – Transformation of FAMUR S.A. company
In May 2021. FAMUR Group, a manufacturer of mining machinery, announced a modification of its strategic directions to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits of the global transition to low-carbon economies and become a leader in green transformation.
The first step was to enter the photovoltaic sector based on the combined resources and competencies of Projekt Solartechnik (PST), TDJ and the FAMUR Group. The strategic decision to start building a holding company investing in green transformation is expected to allow the FAMUR Group to reach a minimum of 70 percent of non-coal revenues by the end of 2024. Solartechnik Project is one of the leading players in the Polish renewable energy market with experience gained in 10 European markets in the construction of projects with a capacity of over 300MW.
Famur’s investment in the photovoltaic sector is the result of modifying strategic directions in the face of a dynamically changing economic environment. The Group’s competencies in the industrial and power sector, the scale of the implemented projects, strong financial foundations, combined with the support of TDJ – a stable and long-term investor – made it possible to start activities related to the development of the PV segment within the Group’s structures. The advantages and broad development capital brought into the joint venture by FAMUR and TDJ, as well as the exceptional competence and experience of the PST team, provide a unique basis for its rapid and effective scaling.
As a result of the investment, an entity was created that concentrates the projects and competencies necessary to implement plans in the PV area. In the resulting structure, the FAMUR Group has a controlling stake. Thanks to the consolidation of the three companies’ potential, FAMUR has obtained more than 1.5 GW of PV project capacity in its portfolio and is consistently developing its service offering in the field of construction and implementation of large-scale photovoltaic installations and PV solutions for the B2B segment. One of the first results of the investment made by the FAMUR Group was the conclusion, together with PST, of an agreement with Energa – Obrót SA for the sale of electricity worth about PLN 143 million. The effectiveness of joint activities is also confirmed by winning more than 100 MW of PV projects in the June ERO auction and 58 MW (along with 5 projects above 1 MW) in December 2021.
The award was presented to Małgorzata Kozieł-Pańczyk, Marketing and PR Director of Famur, by Przemysław Wojtkiewicz, Country Lead Poland, Citrix.
Innovation of the year – Microgrid in Bytom – TAURON Polska Energia
TAURON’s innovation – the microgrid in Bytom – is a small power grid that makes it possible to guarantee, even in extreme situations, the supply of electricity to customers connected to it. The system launched in Bytom has wind power, photovoltaic panels, as well as energy storage and a gas agragator to stabilize the system. It is the first functioning microgrid system in Poland.
It is an installation launched on the site of the former Szombierki mine. It consists of two photovoltaic installations; five micro wind turbines; a gas aggregator; energy storage; and an innovative transformer station. In addition, the installation is equipped with security systems, a monitoring system, lighting, and a weather station. At the heart of the entire installation is the Microgrid Management System (MMS), which coordinates the operation of all microgrid components. It is also responsible for maintaining the energy balance and proper parameters of electricity during off-grid operation, i.e. outside the power grid. In this way, the Microgrid Management System mimics the operation of the entire power system – the difference being that it takes place locally, in the immediate vicinity of the microgrid’s generation sources. The microgrid is a high-tech response to the increasingly noticeable trend toward integrating distributed sources into larger structures. The ability to operate islanded will ensure access to energy even in the event of a blackout or power outages caused by severe weather events.
The award was presented by Karol Rabenda, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets; it was received by Artur Warzocha, Vice President for Corporate Affairs at Tauron Polska Energia.
Sector Solution Provider – ABB sp. z o.o.
The award was given for ABB’s Ability Optimax VPP (abbreviated VPP) product (Virtual Power Plant) – ABB’s Ability Optimax VPP smart grid technology – Virtual Power Plant, combines multiple geographically dispersed generation units, both conventional and renewable, as well as energy storage, and consumers and consumers into a single power pool.
The interconnected units create an optimized ecosystem, allowing to dynamically plan and adjust production and intelligently trade in the energy market with the lowest possible operating costs. Above and beyond that, Optimax allows aggregating data from different subsystems to efficiently manage a smart and complex grid to satisfy the interests of all stakeholders.
The award was received by Anna Wujec, ABB’s Chief Digital Officer, from Prof. Wojciech Drozd, Vice President of Innovation and Logistics at Enea Operator.
Producer of the year – Polish Prosument – PV micro-installations
The capacity of photovoltaic power plants in Poland in 2021 was 7670 MW, of which the capacity of PV micro-installations was 5,857.4 MW. At the end of last year, there were 845,505 prosumers in Poland. All prosumers should be rewarded – it’s all about the trend and the growth that has happened.
Secretary of State from the Ministry of Climate and Environment Ireneusz Zyska received a commemorative statuette on behalf of all Polish prosumers. The award was presented by Tomasz Bendlewski, Director of the Energy and Gas Division, Asseco Poland.
Manager of the Year – Leszek Hołda, Member of the Board, PKP Energetyka; Vice Chairman of the Presidium of the Program Council of the Center for Railway Energy Efficiency
Leszek Hołda, Vice Chairman of the Program Council of the Center for Railway Energy Efficiency and member of the Board of PKP Energetyka, is one of the key people involved in the Green Railway® program. This is a comprehensive initiative to transform the rail industry’s power sources to environmentally friendly RES to reach 85% by 2030, with a target of 100%. Implementation of the program will make the railroad even greener which will increase the competitiveness of the entire sector.
The Green Rail Program is a response to climate challenges and an integrated look at the issue of sustainable transportation. It is also a great opportunity for the rail sector to become a forerunner in climate neutrality in the transportation industry, which will increase its competitiveness and attract new streams of goods and passengers. Through the implementation of the Green Railway® program, the sector supports our country’s climate policy goals and creates space for investment in local, renewable energy sources.
The award was presented by Marek Glazowski, CEO, IFS.
Man of the Year – Ireneusz Zyska, Secretary of State, Ministry of Climate and Environment
The award was given for supporting the development of renewable energy sources in Poland. Minister Ireneusz Zyska has been trying to support the dynamic development of renewable energy technologies for years. His activities at the Ministry of Climate and Environment strive to make green energy a driving force for the Polish economy. As Government Plenipotentiary for Renewable Energy Sources, he is the initiator of this change and actively works for the transformation of the energy sector in Poland.
The award was presented by Leszek Juchniewicz, Chairman of the EuroPOWER Program Council.
