Poland's Energy Regulatory Authority (URE) reports that solar energy overwhelmingly dominated the country’s recent renewables auctions, securing 198 of the 200 successful bids. Auctions for hydroelectric power, agricultural biogas, and biomass failed to proceed due to a lack of valid bids.

The URE published the results of seven renewable energy auctions held in December.

In the auction for solar and wind projects over 1 MW, there were 172 solar bids and only two from onshore wind. Ultimately, 126 solar projects, totaling approximately 1,481 MW, were approved, along with two wind projects totaling 90.8 MW.

The solar auction saw a minimum bid price of PLN 244.80 ($59.67)/MWh, reaching a maximum of PLN 334.77/MWh, with a reference price of PLN 389/MWh. Wind projects had a minimum price of PLN 149/MWh, a maximum of PLN 175/MWh, and a reference price of PLN 324/MWh.

In another auction for projects under 1 MW, there were 96 solar bids but no wind submissions. Seventy-two solar projects, with an undisclosed total capacity, were approved. The minimum price for these solar projects was PLN 297.78/MWh, and the maximum was PLN 388/MWh, compared to a reference price of PLN 414/MWh.

Further auctions focused on hydroelectric, agricultural biogas, and biomass power plants were left unresolved as no valid offers were received. According to Polish law, at least three valid bids are required for these auctions to proceed.

URE reported that 36% of the total electricity available (16 TWh) was allocated across these auctions, accounting for 30% of the total value, or PLN 5.1 billion.

URE President Rafał Gawin emphasized that while interest in renewable energy auctions remains stable, the dominance of solar over wind and other technologies such as biogas and hydroelectric power highlights the need to reassess support mechanisms. Gawin suggested that regulatory changes may be necessary to encourage greater participation in these alternative energy sectors.

Since the start of Poland’s renewable auctions in 2016, over 274 TWh of electricity, valued at nearly PLN 67 billion, has been contracted, mainly for new installations. In 2023, Poland added around 4.6 GW of solar capacity, bringing the total installed capacity to more than 17 GW. Additionally, over 4,000 solar projects, collectively exceeding 19 GW, are poised for implementation across the country, according to the Institute for Renewable Energy (IEO).