Equinor has significantly expanded its renewable energy footprint in Poland, initiating test production at its new 53 MW Lipno solar plant. The project, brought online through its wholly-owned subsidiary Wento on June 18, 2024, is the company’s third solar facility in the nation and elevates its total onshore renewable capacity to nearly 200 MW.
Located in the Wielkopolskie province of central Poland, the Lipno plant sprawls across more than 80 hectares and is comprised of nearly 100,000 solar panels. This new facility reinforces Equinor’s strategic presence in what is considered one of Europe’s most rapidly expanding renewable energy markets.
The development marks a significant milestone for Wento, which Equinor acquired in 2021 along with a 1.6 GW project pipeline. In just three years, Wento has transformed from a niche solar developer into a versatile multi-technology power producer with a project pipeline that has since grown to over 3 GW. Anders Bade, senior vice president for onshore and markets at Equinor, highlighted the strategy, stating, “Wento’s path demonstrates how we use our investments in regional development firms to create a significant and lucrative onshore renewables company in certain regions.”
Combined, Wento’s operational assets in Poland are projected to generate 280 GWh of electricity annually, sufficient to power approximately 140,000 Polish homes. Commercial operations for the Lipno plant will be managed by Danske Commodities, Equinor’s energy trading subsidiary. The firm will leverage its nearly 15 years of experience in the Polish power market to handle balancing and sales, ensuring an effective route-to-market.
Looking ahead, Equinor is diversifying its Polish portfolio beyond generation. Wento recently secured contracts in the Polish Capacity Market Auction for four battery storage projects totaling approximately 400 MW/1.6 GWh. According to Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, Equinor’s country manager in Poland, these projects are vital for the future. He emphasized that battery storage will be critical for ensuring grid stability as the nation expands its renewable energy infrastructure, with final investment decisions on the battery projects expected in the coming years.
The expansion underscores a deeper commitment to Poland’s energy security and green transition. “Poland is actively advancing its renewable energy sector to strengthen domestic power capacity and energy security,” said Wojciech Cetnarski, CEO of Wento. “This offers Wento and Equinor a thrilling chance to take the lead in a developing renewable energy sector.” Kołodziejczyk added, “Equinor wants to help Poland through its energy transition and be a dependable energy partner.”
Sources on How Equinor Builds 53 MW Solar Plant in Poland
- Danske Commodities expands renewables portfolio with new solar park in Poland
- One of the largest PV farms in Poland launched in Lipno
- Equinor’s Lipno Solar Park Begins Test Production in Poland
- Equinor’s first solar plant in Poland ready for operation
- Equinor starts test production at Polish solar farm
- Equinor expands renewables portfolio in Poland with a new solar plant
- Lipno solar farm – Global Energy Monitor
