Lightsource bp commissions its first solar project in Poland

Lightsource bp celebrates the commercial operation of its 40 MW solar project in Kotuń, in partnership with Microsoft, marking an important milestone for Poland's energy transition.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Lightsource bp puts its 40 MW solar project in Kotuń, Poland, into commercial operation.
Since its establishment at the end of 2020, the company has made progress towards its goal of developing a portfolio of projects reaching 3.2 GW.
With a team of over 30 professionals, Lightsource bp is strengthening its position in the Polish renewable energy market.
The Kotuń project marks the start of a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft, signed last September.
The agreement supports Microsoft’s goal of achieving a 100% renewable energy supply by 2025, and contributes to the decarbonization of the Polish electricity grid.
Indeed, Poland, with one of the most carbon-intensive electricity grids in the European Union, sees renewable energies as a crucial means of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact on decarbonization

The Kotuń project represents an important step in this direction.
Michał Głowacki, Country Manager of Lightsource bp in Poland, says: “Solar energy is playing a key role in Poland’s energy transition. The commissioning of the Kotuń solar farm is our first significant contribution to the country’s decarbonization goals.”
This project illustrates how partnerships between technology companies and renewable energy suppliers can generate concrete results in the fight against climate change. Solar projects like the one in Kotuń are key to reducing Poland’s dependence on fossil fuels.
The country is striving to diversify its energy sources to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix.
By investing in green technologies, Poland aims to align its energy policies with the European Union’s climate objectives.

Outlook and future development

Lightsource bp plans to continue investing in solar projects in Poland.
The success of the Kotuń project reinforces the company’s confidence in the potential of the Polish renewable energy market.
The company plans to develop other similar projects, aimed at increasing its installed capacity and making a significant contribution to the country’s energy transition.
The agreement with Microsoft is just one example of the strategic partnerships Lightsource bp seeks to establish to ensure the economic viability of its projects while maximizing their environmental impact.
These collaborations not only secure long-term financing, but also ensure that the energy produced finds immediate use, thereby reducing overall emissions.

Contribution to the local community

In addition to its environmental benefits, the Kotuń project brings socio-economic advantages to the region.
The construction and operation of the solar farm has created local jobs and stimulated the regional economy.
Lightsource bp is also committed to working closely with local communities to ensure that its projects directly benefit local people.
The company runs educational programs and community initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of renewable energy and promote sustainable practices.
These efforts are aimed at building local support and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the projects.
The commissioning of the Kotuń solar farm represents an important milestone in Poland’s energy transition.
Lightsource bp, in partnership with Microsoft, is demonstrating how renewable energies can play a crucial role in decarbonizing economies and combating climate change.
This pioneering project serves as a model for future developments in the renewable energy sector, both in Poland and internationally.

A joint programme funded with CHF15.12mn ($19mn) aims to boost energy efficiency and renewables in Alpine regions by 2029.
Aurora Renewables will develop an intelligent microgrid combining solar, batteries and digital simulation technology to enhance power supply in northern Saskatchewan.
Norwegian firm Scatec expands its presence in West Africa with two solar projects totalling 64 MW and a 10 MWh storage system, under lease agreements signed in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The New South Wales Government has approved Ark Energy’s hybrid solar and battery project in Richmond Valley, combining a solar power plant and long-duration storage.
Nextracker will supply steel frames for solar modules to T1 Energy in a multi-year deal worth over $75mn, aiming to strengthen the local solar supply chain and reduce dependence on imported aluminium.
Geronimo Power has started construction on the Bee Hollow solar park in St. Clair County, a 150 MW project expected to generate $54mn in direct economic impact for the region.
EDF has inaugurated a 1.2 MWc solar power plant and an intelligent electrical grid in Maripasoula, French Guiana, strengthening the energy autonomy of this remote community previously reliant on fuel imports.
EDP has commissioned a solar power plant in Salerno integrating livestock farming, with a capacity of 10 MWc and an annual output of 17 GWh, marking the launch of a hybrid model to be replicated in France and Germany.
Aura Power has finalised financing for its fourth UK solar plant in twelve months, backed by Rabobank, bringing its under-construction capacity to 242 MWp across the country.
The Tützpatz solar project, developed by Vattenfall and powered by GCL System Integration, combines energy production and agricultural use across 93 hectares without public funding.
Koshidaka Group signed a 10-year power purchase agreement with Farmland and Eneres to supply its Tokyo-area facilities with electricity from a 1.6MWAC solar plant located in Annaka.
The PairPHNXX system, designed for rapid deployment in areas without grid access, targets agricultural, military, and industrial markets with a turnkey modular technology.
Ascent Solar Technologies has delivered samples of its flexible photovoltaic technology to two companies for testing in extreme environments, at sea and in space.
Geronimo Power has started construction of the Bee Hollow solar project, valued at $54mn, in St. Clair County, delivering jobs, tax revenue and a partnership with the IMEA municipal agency.
The British government has approved Tillbridge Solar Farm, a 500-MW solar power plant with 2,310 MWh of energy storage, developed by Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy.
wpd solar France has launched construction of a 140.6MWc photovoltaic park in Marcy, in the Nièvre department, integrating agricultural co-activity across 632 hectares in partnership with five local farms.
Independent energy producer CVE has inaugurated a 12 MWc solar farm on municipal land in Volx, generating 19 GWh annually and an estimated €5mn in economic returns over 30 years.
GreenYellow strengthens its presence in the French overseas territories with the acquisition of 18 rooftop photovoltaic installations in Réunion, totalling 3.1 MWc in capacity, as part of a strategy to consolidate its decentralised energy assets.
The rapid rise of agri-voltaic projects in France raises concerns over agricultural impact, land speculation and the economic viability of a still-emerging model.
Norwegian developer Empower New Energy expands in North Africa with a strategic partnership involving ten industrial solar sites for self-consumption in Tunisia.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.