Equinor Expands Renewable Portfolio in Poland with Acquisition of Wilko Wind Farm

Equinor Expands Renewable Portfolio in Poland with Acquisition of Wilko Wind Farm

(IN BRIEF) Equinor has acquired a 26 MW onshore wind farm in Poland, known as the Wilko wind farm, from the Helios Group. The wind farm is located in the Wielkopolska province and will be operated by Wento, Equinor’s subsidiary in Poland. The asset is expected to generate approximately 105 GWh of power annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 50,000 Polish households. Equinor’s move into onshore wind complements its existing solar portfolio in Poland, allowing it to become a multi-tech power producer. The power generated will be managed in the Polish market by Equinor’s energy trading house, Danske Commodities (DC). This acquisition aligns with Equinor’s strategy to support Poland’s energy transition and decarbonization efforts.

(PRESS RELEASE) STAVANGER, 7-Sep-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The Wilko wind farm is located in the Wielkopolska province and will be operated by Wento, Equinor’s subsidiary in Poland.

The asset will provide immediate production and cash flow. Accumulated annual production is estimated at 105 GWh of power per year, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of around 50,000 Polish households.

“Equinor’s renewable strategy targets flexible power offering from multi-tech positions in select markets. Through our subsidiary Wento, we have built a strong solar portfolio in Poland. By adding onshore wind to Wento’s portfolio of operated assets, we transform Wento into a multi-tech power producer”, says Olav Kolbeinstveit, senior vice president for onshore and markets within Renewables at Equinor.

Solar and onshore wind typically have complementary generation profiles, meaning that solar can balance out shortfalls in wind generation and vice versa. A combination of the two technologies can therefore offer a more reliable power generation, reduce portfolio risk, and enhance value creation.

The produced power will be managed in the Polish market by Equinor’s energy trading house Danske Commodities (DC).

“As we continue to develop as a market-driven power producer in select markets, our power trading arm DC provides route-to-market for our assets and enables us to trade electricity from different sources. DC has over 10 years of experience in the Polish power market,” says Kolbeinstveit.

Poland’s energy production remains dominated by conventional sources, with the largest share coming from coal. As a reliable energy partner for Poland, Equinor aims to support the country’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.

“Diversification of generation sources and energy supplies is key to successfully decarbonize Poland’s energy system and enhance its energy security. With this deal, we are able to further extend our broad energy offering in Poland, which includes gas supplies through the Baltic Pipe, large scale offshore wind projects, solar energy, and now also onshore wind,” says Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk, Equinor’s country manager in Poland.

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SOURCE: Equinor ASA