Development of energy infrastructure in Pomerania. Expert debate at Gdańsk Tech | Gdańsk University of Technology

In collaboration with the Pomeranian Employers and the Baltic Energy Transformation Institute, a new series of debates has been launched at the Gdańsk University of Technology under the collective title: ‘The Pomeranian Voivodeship as a hub for Poland’s development in the Baltic Sea region’. The first of these meetings, held at the end of March, was devoted to energy transformation as a driver of development in Pomerania.

The next debate, entitled ‘Energy infrastructure essential for the development of new economic sectors in Pomerania’, took place on Monday, 15 June. The discussions were held within the so-called ‘golden triangle’, bringing together representatives from government, academia and business, as well as figures from the cultural sector, the media and experts from various fields.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of the Gdańsk University of Technology, who, in a brief speech, welcomed the guests and expressed his hope for further fruitful discussions.

“Pomerania is facing a unique opportunity. We must not let it go to waste. Our common goal is to make the most of our region’s potential,” said the Rector of Gdańsk Tech.

Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of Gdańsk Tech, at the opening of the event. Photo: Krzysztof Krzempek/Gdańsk Tech

The event was attended by Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship; Agnieszka Pomaska and Stanisław Lamczyk, Members of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland; Leszek Czarnobaj, a Senator of the Republic of Poland; Emil Rojek, Deputy Voivode of the Pomeranian Voivodeship; Zbigniew Canowiecki, PhD, President of the Pomeranian Employers and Chair of Gdańsk Tech Rector’s Economic Advisory Group; Michał Olszewski, Vice President of the Management Board of Polske Elektrownie Jądrowe; Leszek Hołda, President of the Management Board of Bechtel Polska; Włodzimierz Mucha, Vice President of the Management Board of Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne; Sławomir Hinc, PhD, President of the Management Board of Gaz-System; Grzegorz Stanisławski from the Baltic Energy Transformation Institute; Paweł Olechnowicz, adviser to the President of the Management Board of Orlen S.A.; as well as representatives of universities and local businesses.

Cooperation is the key to success

Three presentations were scheduled for the meeting. Grzegorz Stanisławski from the Baltic Energy Transformation Institute gave the first presentation. He outlined best practices from European Union countries regarding the development of the energy infrastructure necessary for energy transformation.

As he pointed out, the experiences of the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and the initiatives implemented in the Baltic Sea region show that the success of the transformation depends not so much on the scale of investment in renewable energy sources as on the ability to develop grid infrastructure in parallel, the flexibility of the power system and new models of cooperation between transmission system operators, distribution system operators, local authorities and investors.

In developing these models of cooperation, academic and research centres should play a key role, as they can become a source of the new skills required for the offshore, nuclear, digital and hydrogen energy sectors. The energy transformation will, above all, be skills-based, requiring new qualifications in engineering, data management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and energy systems management.

Major investments in the region

Next to speak was Włodzimierz Mucha, Vice President of the Management Board of Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE), who discussed the planned development of the transmission infrastructure in Pomerania. PSE’s ambition is to prepare the National Power System by 2035, for safe and stable operation under a zero-emission energy mix. To this end, plans are to construct transmission lines with a total length of approximately 4,500 km and commission 29 new substations over the next decade. In Pomerania, stations are to be built in Choczewo and Krzemienica, whilst stations in Gdańsk and Słupsk, amongst others, are to be expanded or modernised.

The final speaker was Sławomir Hinc, PhD, President of the Management Board of Gaz-System, which is currently constructing a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Gdańsk Bay. The project aims to to ensure the diversification, stability and security of gas supplies. The company also wishes to play an active role in the transformation and decarbonisation of the Polish economy by undertaking projects relating to the transmission of biomethane and hydrogen. Mr Hinc discussed the programme’s significance and presented its schedule.

This was followed by a discussion during which the participants responded to the earlier speeches. The meeting concluded with a speech by Mieczysław Struk, the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship.