Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 15, Poland achieved a milestone by the end of 2024, surpassing 1.5 million registered renewable energy source (RES) micro-installations, with a total capacity of 12.7 gigawatts, according to the Energy Regulatory Office (URE). These systems, primarily photovoltaic (PV) at 99.7%, play a key role in the country’s energy landscape.

Prosumers—individuals or entities that both generate and consume electricity—own 98.6% of these installations, contributing 12.05 gigawatts of capacity. In 2024, they exported 8.32 terawatt-hours of the total 8.5 terawatt-hours fed into the grid. The URE recorded 1,544,574 on-grid micro-installations, though growth slowed to 10% in 2024, down from 15% in 2023 and 41% in 2022. Energy exports grew by 17%, compared to 26% in 2023 and 110% in 2022.

Renata Mroczek, URE vice president, highlighted the need for grid enhancements: “This continued, albeit slower, growth of the number of RES installations requires huge investment in the power grid infrastructure.” She noted that URE’s initiatives, including the Charter for Effective Transformation of the Distribution Systems of the Polish Energy Sector, have planned 130 billion PLN ($34.5 billion) for grid expansion and upgrades.

Two-thirds of prosumer systems operate on the networks of Tauron Dystrybucja and PGE Dystrybucja, which also handle a similar share of exported energy. In 2024, URE registered three micro-installations owned by prosumer collectives, with a combined capacity of 0.113 megawatts and exports of 87.8 megawatt-hours. Data on virtual prosumers is not yet included, as related regulations will apply from July 2, 2025.

Micro-installations benefit from streamlined processes, such as expedited grid connections, waived balancing fees, and guaranteed sales to designated buyers. Prosumers use either net-metering or net-billing systems, depending on connection dates. The URE’s findings, compiled under Poland’s Renewable Energy Sources Law, rely on annual reports from distribution operators.

In December 2024, URE allocated 198 of 200 renewable energy auction bids to solar projects, including 31 projects totaling 102 megawatts to German utility RWE. Limited participation from wind and other technologies slowed broader auction progress.

This growth in micro-installations reflects Poland’s commitment to sustainable energy, supported by investments to modernize the grid and expand renewable capacity for households and businesses.