Source: Central Europe Energy News

Poland’s first large-scale combined cycle gas power project in the northern region is advancing at an impressive pace. On May 11, 2026, Energa, a subsidiary of ORLEN Group, held a grand groundbreaking ceremony in Gdańsk for the 560MW CCGT Gdańsk Power Plant. This landmark facility not only fills the long-standing gap of large-scale base-load power sources in the Pomerania region but also stands as an iconic project for Poland to reduce energy dependence and embrace a low-carbon future. Adopting high-efficiency and flexible gas-steam combined cycle technology, the plant is expected to generate over 43 TWh of electricity in 20 years, meeting the power demand of more than one million households and delivering robust, stable green support to the northern power grid.

Located in the Rudniki Industrial Zone of Gdańsk, CCGT Gdańsk is the first large-scale system-level gas-fired power plant in the Pomerania region of northern Poland. With a total investment of approximately 3 billion Polish złoty (equivalent to 500–600 million euros), the project is fully developed by Energa, with the EPC general contractor being a consortium formed by Siemens Energy and Polimex Mostostal. Construction officially commenced in May 2026, core equipment is scheduled for delivery in 2027, and grid connection and commercial operation are targeted for 2029.

Secured with a 17-year capacity market contract, the power plant will serve as a critical bridge in Poland’s energy transition. During the transitional period between the decommissioning of aging coal-fired power units and the commissioning of nuclear power plants, it will rapidly balance output fluctuations from Baltic offshore wind power and safeguard grid safety and stability.

Designed with a single-shaft combined cycle layout, the project’s core equipment is entirely supplied by Siemens Energy, adopting the same technical configuration as the Energa Grudziądz project. Key equipment includes:

Gas Turbine: One heavy-duty industrial gas turbine from Siemens Energy (nearing SGT5-4000F or high-efficiency F/H-class), serving as the core heart of the entire power unit. It supports fast startup within 30 to 90 minutes, perfectly adapting to output volatility from renewable energy sources.

Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG): Efficiently recovers waste heat from gas turbine exhaust. Foundation pile construction for the HRSG is currently in full swing.

Steam Turbine & Generator: One condensing steam turbine coaxially coupled with a generator, with a total weight exceeding 1,000 tons, scheduled to be delivered to the site together with the gas turbine in 2027.

Other Key Auxiliary Equipment: Wet fan cooling tower, condenser, block-type transformer, 400 kV switchyard and 110 kV auxiliary power system.

Overall performance indicators include a net output of 560–561 MW and a combined cycle efficiency exceeding 60%, featuring ultra-low emissions and exceptional operational flexibility. The foundation of the core turbine unit adopts bored cast-in-place concrete piles with a diameter of 60 cm and a depth of 25.4 m, effectively reducing construction noise and vibration and setting a benchmark for environmentally friendly construction practices.

The project connects to Gaz-System’s national natural gas transmission network via a dedicated high-pressure gas pipeline route: Bogatka-Przejazdowo-CCGT Gdańsk.

Specification: DN500 (main pipeline) / DN300 (branch pipeline), Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) of 8.4 MPa.

Material & Grade: Seamless or welded carbon steel pipelines complying with PN-EN 10208-2 (equivalent to API 5L) standards, commonly in steel grades L415NB/L415MB (X60) or L485 (X70), with wall thickness ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm, delivering excellent toughness and weldability.

Corrosion Protection: Outer surface coated with 3-layer polyethylene (3LPE) or fusion bonded epoxy (FBE); inner surface with epoxy coating to reduce fluid friction.

Supporting Facilities: Equipped with gas filters, pressure reducing/expansion regulating stations, metering stations and integrated optical fiber communication systems.

Strategic Connectivity: Linked to the Kolnik-Gdańsk gas transmission pipeline and the future Gdańsk FSRU LNG terminal to ensure a stable supply of high-methane natural gas.

Pioneering the use of reclaimed treated water from the Gdańsk Wschód Wastewater Treatment Plant as cooling water and make-up water, the project realizes efficient resource recycling.

Main Pipeline Types: Raw water supply pipeline, circulating cooling water pipeline, make-up water pipeline and pump station connecting pipeline.

Material & Grade: Carbon steel pipelines complying with PN-EN 10216-1/10217 standards, or ductile iron pipelines for large nominal diameters. Pipeline sections in contact with treated wastewater adopt epoxy lining, HDPE/PE or Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for enhanced corrosion resistance. Pressure class ranges from PN10 to PN16, with pump stations fitted with matched stainless steel or carbon steel pipelines.

Advantages: Significantly cuts freshwater consumption and embodies the innovative philosophy of circular economy.

Steam Pipeline: Made of high-temperature and high-pressure alloy steel (e.g., P91/P92) complying with ASME B36.10 / PN-EN 10216-2 standards, with outstanding high-temperature creep resistance.

Condensate Pipeline: Carbon steel or stainless steel (304/316) complying with PN-EN standards.

Other Auxiliary Pipelines: Predominantly carbon steel, with stainless steel applied to chemical dosing systems.

Power Transmission: 400 kV overhead lines connecting to GPZ Gdańsk Błonia and 110 kV power cables connecting to GPZ Gdańsk Pleniewo (copper/aluminum conductors with XLPE insulation).

All pipelines are strictly designed and constructed in accordance with Polish building codes, EU PED directives and specifications of Gaz-System and Energa, with a design service life of over 30 years to guarantee long-term safe and reliable operation.

As of May 2026, on-site earthworks and foundation reinforcement are fully accelerated. Pile foundations for the power house and turbine unit have been completed, with construction now focused on the HRSG foundation. The adoption of low-noise bored cast-in-place concrete technology minimizes environmental impact on surrounding areas. Upon commissioning, the plant will be operated by around 60 professional staff, bringing substantial economic benefits and employment opportunities to the local community.

As a core pillar of Energa Group’s strategic layout and a strong bulwark for energy security in northern Poland, CCGT Gdańsk will shine brightly upon grid connection in 2029 as construction advances steadily, injecting powerful momentum into the clean energy transition of Poland and the broader European continent.