New methodology of transmission system planning in Poland based on economic and market approach

The Polish Transmission System is the subject of a number of changes due to internal and external factors, which increase the uncertainty of development planning process. The external factors may include: priorities for the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and high penetration of the system by the RES, specially by wind generation, the expectation of emission reduction and also demand changes as an effect of electricity sector restructuring and a significant improvement in the efficiency of electricity use. Internal factors resulting from the aging transmission infrastructure and generation plants. Transmission System Operator (TSO) manages the transmission system through the implementation of two basic tasks of: providing the technical infrastructure to enable the transaction between market participants and to maintain the system reliability. In order to fulfill these tasks, the TSO identifies existing and future needs for transmission services and sets the direction for the development, including process of increasing constraints for the location of new transmission infrastructure. Key factors influencing the need for modification of the current methodology of transmission system planning in Poland are identified. Decision of implementation the new methodology of transmission system planning in Poland based on economic and market approach has been taken by the TSO. The methodology will be supported by dedicated software.