Breaking news: Polish-German transformer starts operation – PSE

The first line of the electricity phase-shifting transformer between Poland and Germany has begun operation on Wednesday, Polish grid operator PSE said in a statement.

Market participants have been eagerly awaiting the launch because this is expected to provide additional cross-border capacity to the market (see EDEM 31 May 2016).

The transformers between the Polish Mikulowa station and German Hagenwerder, also referred to as phase-shifters, are designed to combat loop-flows created by unpredictable renewable power generation.

They should improve daily imports into Poland, potentially pushing Polish summer prices down.

This week Poland has experienced a tight system resulting in price spikes (see EDEM 21 June 2016).

However, PSE could not confirm when and how much daily capacity will be offered at the time of writing.

Additional transformers delayed

The transformers will eventually consist of four units. An additional northern line between Polish Krajnik and German Vierraden will be operational in 2018, a year later than previously expected due to delays with gaining permission to build the line by the German transmission system operator 50Hertz.

Once 50Hertz finishes technical work on its side of the border, additional 1.5GW of capacity from Poland into Germany will also be available. karolina.zagrodna@icis.com