RWE, one of the leading energy companies in Europe, is planning to construct a large hard-coal power plant in Poland.
The investment of EUR1.5 billion is one of the biggest-ever projects in the Polish energy sector. The new power station to be based in the village of Wola, Lower Silesia, will feature state-of-the-art technology. The energy-efficient, 800-megawatt unit will emit reduced amounts of CO2 and significantly enhance the country's security of electricity supply.
Technically it is a twin of the power plant currently being constructed by RWE in Hamm, Germany.
The project is based on a joint venture between RWE and Kompania Weglowa, the largest coal company in Poland and the E.U., with RWE becoming the majority shareholder of the new joint company with a share of 75%. Thursday the parties signed a joint venture agreement in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak.
The plant will be located on the premises of the former Piast Ruch II coal mine owned by Kompania Weglowa in the village of Wola and is scheduled to come on-stream in 2015. Poland's annual demand for energy is growing by 3 to 5% per annum.
Dr. Juergen Grossmann, CEO of RWE AG: "Poland is one of our core markets. This modern and efficient power plant is a key investment for us. I am very pleased that we have found such a professional partner in Kompania Weglowa."