Poland Again Faces Power Reserve Shortage as Heat Affects Coal Plants

Poland is experiencing another shortage of reserve power crucial for electricity production, primarily due to high temperatures affecting the cooling systems of several coal-fired power plants. The elevated water temperatures limit the operational capacity of these essential energy sources.

This situation has forced Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE), the Polish power grid operator, to repeatedly activate the capacity market mechanism. This tool is designed to ensure sufficient electricity reserves, particularly during peak demand times in the late afternoon and evening.

Despite these measures, the ongoing heatwave is exacerbating the problem, worsening the power supply situation. The reliance on coal power, coupled with environmental conditions, highlights the challenges Poland faces in maintaining a stable energy supply during extreme weather.

The repeated activation of the capacity market signals a strain on the national grid and raises concerns about energy security during periods of high demand and limited generation capacity.