PIOTR BRYŃCZAK, Substation Division Director, SPIE Energy Poland S.A.
GÁBOR ÁRVAI, Division Manager, SPIE Hungaria
As solar panels reach ever higher yields and the price of emitting carbon in Europe rises, large-scale photovoltaic farms are springing up everywhere.
Yet each new site needs a connection to the grid. That’s where SPIE comes in.
" Traditionally, Poland has relied on coal for the bulk of its electricity generation,” explains Piotr Bryńczak, a small village in Pomerania, “but the country is now pursuing ambitious renewable energy goals. ”
Autumn has come to northern Poland: the fields are muddy and the wind is cold; but the sky is blue and the sun is out. "Ideal conditions for renewables generation," comments Piotr. "About 70 km that way, at Choczewo," he says pointing, "we're building a 400 kV substation to connect up offshore wind farms out in the Baltic." At 110/20 kV, Skarszów is smaller, but on days like today, it will allow the nearby Dębnica Kaszubska Solar Park to put 50 MW of electricity generation capacity into the grid.
"The photovoltaic market is booming in Poland," explains Piotr, "but connecting new projects to the grid is a major challenge, requiring upgrades to infrastructure and good working relationships with operators."
*kV (Kilovolt): Unit of electrical voltage. The Skarszów substation transforms the electricity that arrives from 110 kV to 20 kV. Most local distribution networks in Europe carry voltages up to 35 kV. MW (Megawatt): Unit of electrical power. In 2023, the average power rating of new onshore turbines installed in Europe was 4.5 MW (WindEurope, 2024).
As SPIE employees put the finishing touches to the substation, Piotr explains their importance: "With our skilled workforce and extensive portfolio of complex substation projects, clients know that we can handle every stage, from design and build through to permits and commissioning," says Piotr. "Preparation is key, too: ensuring compliance with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and community engagement."
A day later and 700 km south, we are in a small Hungarian village called Bodroghalom. The wind is much lighter, but the sun is shining here too – and another 50 MW solar park is taking shape: Zemplén. Hungary has also set high renewables targets, with large-scale photovoltaic projects slated to play an important role in the green energy transition.
"SPIE has been awarded the contract to connect two substation sections, as well as to split a 132 kV transmission line," explains Gábor Árvai.
Here, too, good relations with grid operators and proven track records are essential. "We have been commissioned to work on every stage of the project," says Gábor, "from the architectural design of the two stations to installation of high-voltage work and secondary cabling."
But the adventure doesn't stop there: "Electricity demand from industrial investment in the region has increased significantly," Gábor explains, "and higher alternative energy production raises the question of controllability." On days like today, solar power is plentiful – but winter can bring long, dark days. "So there will be a need for energy storage facilities. And we are looking for opportunities to contribute."
Back on the Baltic coast, Piotr is thinking along similar lines: "Given that solar and wind energy production is dependent on weather conditions, the next phase of development will likely involve energy storage installations. SPIE Energy Poland S.A. plans to participate in this area as well."
19 GW
In one year, Polish photovoltaic (PV) capacity has jumped from 15 GW to almost 19 GW.
60 %
Solar now accounts for 60% of Poland’s renewable energy capacity.
49,95 MW
On completion, Zemplén will generate, 49.95 MW of solar power
25 %
In 2024, PV already contributed 25% of Hungary’s electricity
12 GW
Hungary aims to increase PV capacity from 5 GW to 12 GW by 2030.
