Integrated annual report 2017 edition

8 Responsible development

We are a guarantor of security and stability of the power system in Poland.
We feel responsible for the security of future generations.
Being aware of the condition of national infrastructure, challenges and trends that affect the development of the system, we perform upgrade work and new investment projects in order to ensure its stability and security. We want to strengthen awareness and educate society in the field of power system operation.

Key figures

The value of local taxes paid to communes (in 2016). The taxes are received by more than 37 percent of communes across the country and the percentage will be increasing with the growth of the network infrastructure.

Information meetings with local government authorities and institutions in investment areas
(in 2016).

Analysis of the impact of our investment projects on the local community.

Our impact on the social environment

GRI 203-2, GRI 413-1 We implement infrastructural projects throughout the country, which affects the social and economic activities of the individual regions. Our priority is to build partner relations with representatives of social communities, the administration and contractors implementing projects on our behalf.

What we consider an important element of our activities is a process-based approach to social communication and social engagement, providing the capability to respond more effectively to stakeholders' needs in the course of the investment process.

As investor, we endeavour to make sure that projects of strategic significance to the whole country are implemented with as little interference with the life of residents and the environment as possible. We are aware how important it is to inform local communities of a planned investment at the earliest possible stage and to create conditions for the presentation of exhaustive explanations on the subject. PSE strives to take into account all possible comments made by local authorities and residents. It is the role of our company to present arguments to justify the delivery of an investment project, its formal and legal considerations and the concept of a line route option in order to continue dialogue to arrive at a consensus with property owners expressed in a transmission rights of way agreement.

The multiple factors determining the delivery of investment projects in the legal area include the provisions of the "Special Transmission Act". However, it is our intention to build extra-high voltage lines on the basis of agreements developed through negotiations with each owner of a property situated on the route of a planned project. We make all efforts to achieve such agreements and declare our readiness to start talks with owners in response to the expectations they raise in this regard.

We fully analyse the impact of our investment projects on the local community

Designers must also select the type of tower design, phase wires, insulators and other line elements for a preliminary line engineering proposal. Usually, at this stage it cannot yet be decided what engineering solutions will be finally deployed.

The formula of the information and consultation process provides for the possibility of looking for compromise solutions that reflect, as far as possible, the interests of the parties interested in the location of a power line. Such interests may be in conflict with each other and therefore involvement and participation of all parties is necessary, along with ensuring their real influence on the solutions developed.

Implementing power projects, we have a common objective

GRI 102-40, GRI 102-43

Our stakeholders and forms of their involvement

Target group

Characteristics

Communication tools and techniques

Direct measures

Regulator

The President of ERO is responsible for regulation of the power sector and for competition promotion.

We agree with the President of ERO the Development Plan for meeting the current and future electricity demand and its updates.

Direct meetings, industry conferences, integrated annual report, website.

Contractors for investment projects

Third-party companies selected through public and non-public tendering procedures. They act for an on behalf of PSE, influence opinions of local communities and local authorities, and form the image of our company as an investor.

Direct meetings, industry conferences, internal training, efficient communication in investment projects under Social Communication Programmes (folders, website, press briefings, conferences, films, educational programmes, etc.) Defining good practices and communication guidelines. Cooperation under principles of sustainable development.

Public administration, local authorities

Transparent and professional information and educational activities within the framework of social communication contribute to building proper relations

Direct meetings, letters of intent, dedicated specialised conferences, general corporate, specialised and investment-related folders, an expert magazine, integrated annual report, website.

Public opinion, local communities

A key group from the point of view of infrastructural investments. Convincing immediate neighbours to accept an investment project and establishing transmission rights of way are essential to the lead time of the project. This makes it possible to win greater public acceptance or to work out a compromise.

Media relations, press articles, websites, folders, leaflets, educational programmes for inhabitants of the communes in which an investment is planned, meetings arranged by contractors and directly.

Protest committees, local leaders of protests and social actions

Local initiatives resulting from a lack of public acceptance of a solution being considered, and representing interests of the whole community or a selected group.

Official correspondence, participation in meetings, protest actions.

Employees, management staff of PSE Inwestycje and PSE CG

Committed and motivated employees and management staff largely determine PSE's operating efficiency. Employees' level of being informed and their work satisfaction are of key significance to employee commitment building.

Intranet, integrated annual report, information leaflets, communication of strategic projects, communication of changes being put into effect, direct meetings, integration meetings, corporate events, code of ethics and value-guided conduct.

PSE CG employees involved
in the investment process

Committed and motivated employees, management staff, and principles of business ethics largely determine the company's operating efficiency. Employees' level of being informed and their work satisfaction are of key significance to employee commitment building.

In addition to tools addressed to all employees, additional tools supporting their current work include specialist folders, dedicated training and Q&A documents.

Local and regional associations

Local and regional NGOs working towards development of a given area, e.g. commune, village or county.

Provision of comprehensive and reliable information on investments, with special focus on the planned line location and route and the opinion of representatives of local communities – direct meetings and promotional materials (folder) and website.

Environmental NGOs
and associations

Local, regional and national non-governmental organisations for the protection of the natural environment or wildlife, or involved in green initiatives in particular areas. 

Direct meetings with representatives of associations, provision of information materials, with special focus on environmental issues and the investor's related activities.

Business partners

Companies cooperating with PSE at the pre-investment stage and performing services ordered by the company.

Information on security policy, ISO certificates and anti-corruption policy provided by employees at meetings with partners and peers.

Indirect activities

Media (national, regional, industry)

Provide information, form opinions on investments.

Press conferences, briefings, individual meetings (articles, interviews), sponsored articles, trade supplements to newspapers, expert magazine, press kits, presentations, website, integrated annual report.

Central administration, Parliament

Ministries and central authorities, members of the parliament – especially those on parliamentary committees and teams.

Individual meetings, presentations, folders, industry and economic conferences, website, integrated annual report, expert magazine.

Contractors (generators, distributors, traders)

A group of entities cooperating with PSE on a permanent basis, bound by agreements.

Individual meetings, industry conferences, workshops, expert magazine, integrated annual report, website.

The frequency of contacts depends on PSE's needs and stakeholders' queries.

Mechanisms supporting
our investments

Since 2008, we have been implementing the investment project Poland-Lithuania Power Interconnection co-financed with aid funds under the Operating Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2007-2013 (OPI&E 10.1).

The total co-financing of the investment project was PLN 896.84 m, whereas its total value was PLN 1,744.32 m net. The amount of co-financing paid from the beginning of the strategic project until the end of 2016 exceeded PLN 896.84 m.

In 2016, the performance of the co-financing agreement for the project titled “Expansion of the Słupsk Wierzbięcino Electrical Substation” was continued for the connection of the Słupsk and Potęgowo WFs under the Operating Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2007-2013 (OPI&E 9.6). The co-financing granted for the project amounted to PLN 14.25 m, of which about PLN 14.25 m was paid by the end of 2016.

In 2015, we also received a subsidy in settlement of the project “Feasibility Study for the LitPol Link Project” co-financed by the TEN-E fund, which was completed in June 2014. The costs incurred under the project were refunded in 2015 in the amount of EUR 1,822,000.

In 2016, we received co-financing in connection with the project “Studies on the third power interconnection between Poland (Poznań area) and Germany (Eisenhuttenstadt) including the necessary strengthening of the western part of the Polish power system”, which was completed in December 2014.

In 2016 saw the financial closure of projects co-financed with EU funds allocated directly by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme (Research and Technological Development Projects). The funds received under the agreements for those projects – totalling EUR 59,503.67 – were paid in the course of the projects and after their financial closure.

Significant financial assistance received from government (in PLN)

    GRI 201-4

2016

2015

Total

Total amount of financial assistance received by the organisation from the government during the reporting period, including:

106 877 959

191 225 042

298 103 001

Tax relief and tax credit, including:

9 420

1 066 852

1 076 272

Relief for the acquisition of new technologies

0

1 059 632

1 059 632

Deductions for donations

9 420

7 220

16 640

Investment, research, development and other types of grants

106 868 539

190 158 190

297 026 729

Dimension of the State's presence in ownership structure

100 %

100 %

 
Created with Sketch.

Strengthening innovation
and implementing new technologies

GRI 103 To maintain operational stability of the power system, it is necessary to ensure constant technological development and set directions to be followed in the near and more remote future.

Issues of sustainable development, environmental protection and optimal management of national energy resources are becoming increasingly important. In this context, alternative energy generation sources have gained significance. The Act on renewable energy sources (Journal of Laws of 2015, item 478, Article 2(22)) defines them as: “renewable non-fossil sources of energy, including wind, solar, aerothermal, geothermal, hydrothermal, hydropower, wave, current and tidal energy, energy obtained from biomass, biogas, agricultural biogas and biofluids.”

GRI 103 The recent years have seen a gradual increase of installed capacity of renewable sources. As at the end of 2016, RES installed capacity in the Polish Power System increased by 13 percent from 2015 and reached 8 GW.

Installed electrical capacity in 2015-2016

(Source: ARE S.A.)

Increasing the share of energy generation from renewable sources is one of the main aspects of the European Union's policy. Further development of those sources in Poland will largely depend on investors being able to use support mechanisms. The basic piece of legislation governing RES-related issues is the Act of 20 February 2015 on renewable energy sources (Journal of Laws item 478), as amended. The Act modified the existing green certificate system and introduced a mechanism based on organising energy sale auctions. Renewable sources will be built in case it is possible to use the above-mentioned mechanism. The evaluation of capacity increase in the segment will take into account the provisions of applicable laws and regulations.

The development of new technologies has a significant impact on energy security issues. Therefore, we carry on many activities aimed to make an optimum use of new technologies in the power sector. They concern, among other things, the issue of digitisation of substation facilities and the use of low-loss wires in transmission lines, Wide Area Measurement Systems (WAMS), Demand Side Management and Demand Side Response (DSM/DSR) and solutions supporting the popularisation of local generating sources and energy storage facilities.

In 2016, we carried out 29 innovation, research and development projects, 10 of which were completed.

Major R&D projects completed in 2016

New design of low-loss wires for EHV power lines

We have developed a new design of a low-loss wire for EHV power lines complete with technical specifications. It will be a substitute for the standard wire design used so far. The new design will limit transmission losses on new-build extra-high voltage power lines while maintaining the existing operating parameters.

The system ensures secure IP communication in the power grid management area (project managed under the NCBiR programme)

The project was implemented under the NCBiR programme "State Defence and Security". Its purpose was to ensure system-based protection of the power data communication network infrastructure from cyber-threats through the implementation of a system for monitoring Internet threats to the IT infrastructure of electrical substations and the creation of a dedicated mechanism for the protection of the process communication system in IP (Internet Protocol) networks operated by the TSO, DSOs and JWCD units.

Read more

Transmission Network Dynamic Management System (a project under the NCBiR programme)

The purpose of the project was to develop a system for the determination of dynamic loading limits of power lines, which allows the network to be managed efficiently owing to the use of its full capacity, taking into account the current weather conditions. Innovative solutions were implemented under the project, including the automated self-checks utilising the virtual sag benchmark, innovative coupling of local and global weather parameters or a unique method of reducing energy consumption and adaptive data transmission technologies.

Read more

Analysis of interaction between phase shifting transformers situated at the Mikułowa substation and the network under transient conditions

The main purpose of the work was to evaluate the operation of phase shifting transformers in the PPS under steady-state and transient conditions and to prepare recommendations for operation management with the use of such equipment.

The work made it possible to identify the effects of control performed by means of phase shifting transformers in steady state, for control of power transmission on the Poland-Germany section, and to evaluate potential constraints in the use of the phase displacement angle. Overloads (transmission constraints, voltage violations and reactive power balancing) which may result from power transmission under different PPS operation states forced by control capabilities of phase shifting transformers.

Evaluation of mechanical strength of composite suspension insulators with cyclic loads on lines with high-temperature wires

The tests and calculations carried out under the project show that the suspension line insulators available in the market demonstrate appropriate resistance to static and cyclic loads under a temperature below 80°C allowed by CIGRE. The studies showed the existence of a temperature surplus of at least five degrees. This means that the insulators can be used in lines with high-temperature wires, i.e. at an increased temperature of their bottom mounting structure. 

The available literature shows also that it is practically highly unlikely for the bottom end of the insulator to heat up above 80°C from the high-temperature wire. Usefulness of the technology was unquestionably confirmed.

Feasibility study for a demonstration project for the implementation of the PPS operation security support system based on the Special Protection Scheme (SPS) and battery electricity storage

In 2016, PSE continued cooperation with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) – a Japanese governmental organisation responsible, among other things, for supporting the development of industry. The purpose of the work was to prepare a feasibility study for the implementation of a demonstration project including the construction and on-line operation of a system improving the operation security of a network highly saturated with wind sources. The developed feasibility study was a basis for a decision to deploy a pilot facility. The work was fully financed by the Japanese side.

Smart grid demonstration project

to improve operational security of the power system with an increasing share of renewable energy sources

In response to an increase in the share of renewable sources connected to the Polish Power System (PPS), on 14 March 2017, the Japanese governmental organisation NEDO and the Ministry of Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a power system security project.

The objective of the project is to test, within a dedicated PPS area, a load shedding system (SPS) and a hybrid electrical energy storage system (BESS). The solution proposed under the project uses the Japanese automatic protection system technology and hybrid electrical energy storage (BESS).

In order execute the project, on 17 March 2017 Hitachi and Hitachi Chemical signed an implementation agreement with PSE, Energa-Operator (EOP) and Energa Wytwarzanie (EW). The next step was the signing of an agreement by Hitachi, Hitachi Chemical and SMBC with NEDO.

The decision to deliver the project for the next three and a half years was taken on the basis of results of the feasibility study performed between February 2915 and November 2016 by Hitachi, Hitachi Chemical, SMBC and other institutions engaged in the project. Under the project, Hitachi, working with PSE, EIP and EW, will deploy the SPS, whereas Hitachi Chemical will be responsible for building a hybrid electrical energy storage equipped with lithium ion and acid lead batteries. In addition, Hitachi, Hitachi Chemical and SMBC will examine business models for automatic load shedding systems and energy storage systems.

As a Member State of the European Union, Poland is planning to increase the share of RES in the power system. In order to meet the challenges of increased network loading, it is necessary to taken measures aimed at its upgrading and expansion. They can be complemented the implementation of a system that performs the automatic load shedding function (SPS), adjusted to appropriate management of substantial generation from renewable sources, in particular wind energy.

Simplified architecture of the SPS and BES solution

Ancillary services Generation management EW Support to supply and demand balancing Wind turbine generation HBESS WF power output Charging Discharging Reduction of WF power variations Generation management Wind farm Failure identification (PSE) System LFC (Hitachi) RAS-Engine (Hitachi) RAS-Engine (PSE) SCADA/EMS (EOP) SCADA/EMS (Hitachi Chemical) HBESS (Hitachi) SPS - Terminal SE Failure

Outline of the demonstration project

A system performing the role of automatic load shedding (Special Protection Scheme – SPS) – Hitachi scope

The SPS performs calculations in a continuous mode based on on-line information provided by the SCADA system. On their basis, by performing cyclic analyses, it develops action scenarios for specific contingencies. The SPS will perform necessary control operations to eliminate overloads based on analysis results.

Hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) equipped with lithium ion and acid lead batteries – Hitachi and Hitachi Chemical scope

The project is intended to reduce the total cost of electrical energy storage systems by deploying a hybrid storage system. The system is characterised both by high performance due to the use of the lithium ion technology, and cost effectiveness due the use of acid lead batteries.

Read more

Examining business models for power network stabilisation systems and electrical energy storage systems – Hitachi, Hitachi Chemical and SMBC scope

Hitachi, Hitachi Chemical and SMBC will verify the advantages of Special Protection Schemes (SPS) and energy storage systems, and will then present business models supporting their wider use.

Simplified chart of allocation of responsibilities
between the project parties

- Evaluation of business model - BESS design and production - Supply chain management - Delivery of equipment - Technical supervision of installation and deployment - Equipment design and production - Supply chain management - Delivery of equipment - Technical supervision of installation and deployment - Preparation of reports - Provision of WF operating data - BESS building erection - BESS installation work - Commissioning of equipment - SCADA system adjustments - Data provision (SCADA) - SPS installation work - SPS deployment - System utilisation monitoring Energa Wytwarzanie Energa Operator PSE SMBC Hitachi Chemical Hitachi Poland Japan Support Escrow Agreement ID (HTC/HC/ PSE/EOP/ EW) MOU Ministry of Energy Nedo

Development of a new design
of low-loss wires

Under the project "Modern low-loss wires for electricity transmission over EHV power lines" complete with technical specifications, we have developed a new design of phase wires.

It is a system solution for the transmission of electricity in the form of a three or four-wire bundle with the use of new-generation low-loss wires that allow electricity transmission losses to be additionally reduced.

Our work has resulted in a new design of the phase wire in a three-wire bundle designed for use in new-build 400 kV lines.

The new wire, designated as 468/24-A1F/UHST-261, is a low-loss substitute for the 408-AL1F/34-UHST wire used currently and allows losses to be reduced to 13 percent. Compared to the traditional AFL-8 350 wire, used until 2013, it allows losses to be reduced to 26.1 percent.

The wires will be used for the construction of our new 400 kV power lines.

Investment implementation rules from the environmental impact perspective

GRI 103 We invest in the development and upgrading of facilities forming elements of the transmission system in a manner that minimises interference with the environment.

Each stage of the investment project involving the construction, expansion and upgrade of grid assets – from planning, through construction, to maintenance – is subject to verification for impact on specific elements of the environment.

In preparing projects at the concept stage for several facility location options, we analyse land and environmental conditions, in particular with regard to the location of the line route for protected land, agricultural and forest land occupation, and we assess feasible technologies. 

At the feasibility study stage, we perform an analysis of the current and planned land use along with a site visit for key investment areas.

The proposed options for line routes and new substation locations take into account guidelines such as:

- the use of infrastructural corridors of other linear right-of-way facilities,

- the least possible interference with residential development,

- the least possible interference with environmentally valuable areas.

Criteria and requirements for subcontractors and suppliers

We exercise supervision of the quality of equipment and instruments purchased. This allows us to effectively manage potential environmental threats that may result from their breakdown. 

The equipment and apparatus supplied must meet our requirements for: long service life, low failure rate, low cost of operational maintenance and resistance to weather conditions.

For power equipment and apparatus of high significance to system operation, we have prepared technical specifications that contain minimum technical, functional and structural requirements that also take into account environmental requirements (regarding noise or EMF limits, treated sewage specifications, etc.).

Equipment and apparatus supplied are checked on site prior to installation at network facilities through the following tests

FAT (Factory Acceptance Test)

Tests of equipment forming part of primary and secondary circuits of electrical substations, performed at the manufacturer's plant or at a location designated by the manufacturer, conducted prior to equipment delivery to the contracting authority.

SAT (Substation Acceptance Test)

Tests of equipment forming part of primary and secondary circuits of electrical substations, performed at the power facility at the final operation site of the equipment.

Percentage of new suppliers who have been subjected to assessment according to environmental criteria

GRI 103, GRI 308-1 Contractors for investment projects performed under the Investment Plan 2016 were random checked by the Contract Engineer for compliance with environmental requirements on construction sites. For this reason, we do not have sufficient data for a reliable calculation of the rate. The Working Environment Management Office at PSE started keeping a database of environmental inspection reports for project in progress in order to report full data for the 2017 rate.

In the year under review, contractors performing repair and maintenance tasks were not evaluated under environmental criteria. 

HESQ criteria for subcontractors

GRI 103 One of the new elements of PSE's policy is the introduction of integrated measures in the field of HSEQ (health, safety, environment and quality).

Our activities are aimed at ensuring a secure working environment and protection of the natural environment. They concern not only PSE's employees but also our contractors and subcontractors for new-build and upgrade works. We implement HSEQ principles in the area of network infrastructure maintenance and development.

For third-party contractors, we have defined an action programme which is aimed mainly to prevent real events such as failures and accidents involving people, equipment and the environment. The basic tools used in this respect are the identification of near misses and close supervision of the progress of work contracted out to third parties.

Our employees analyse the preparedness of subcontractors to correct work performance, including on the basis of statistics such as accident and near-miss rates for the period of the last three years. The following are taken into account: the number of light, collective, serious and fatal accidents, as well as accident prevalence and prevention rates.

Created with Sketch.

Biodiversity of protected areas and high-value areas

GRI 304-2 We invest in the development of the transmission network in such a way as to minimise interference with the environment. By implementing the Environmental Management System compliant with the ISO 14001 standard, we have committed to comply with legal regulations and to follow good environmental practices. We have also imposed this commitment on the contractors and subcontractors for our investment projects.

We strive to ensure that each stage of investment – from planning, through construction, to operation – is characterised by care for the environment taking into account the whole range of aspects, from remedial measures related to protection against soil and groundwater pollution, by limiting losses in habitats and species, and emergency management, to minimising noise emissions and proper waste management. In implementing our projects, we strive to ensure that power infrastructure has the least possible impact on biodiversity.

We deliver investment projects so as to minimise key threats to nature and prevent the loss of biodiversity. We start as early as the line route and substation location planning stage, locating infrastructure in such a manner as to avoid, as far as possible, interference with areas of high natural value. In successive stages of project implementation, we analyse technical and technological options for minimising impacts related to the implementation and operation of network facilities.

For projects already completed, we perform what is referred to as post-implementation monitoring.

Unavoidable consequences of project implementation include a loss of a part of habitats due to tree removal along the right of way, especially in forest areas. However, these situations are increasingly rare owing to the increasing use of over-forest or forest pylons.

Compensation based on the example of the 400 kV Miłosna – Siedlce Ujrzanów line

In the course of work related to the construction of the 400 kV Miłosna-Siedlce Ujrzanów line, the contractor removed trees and shrubs in a total area of 50 ha. In accordance with the decision on environmental conditions for the construction of the line, we were obliged to provide environmental compensation by planting a number of trees and shrubs 10% greater than the total damage and to monitor the condition of plantings for another 5 years.

In order to meet our obligations we planted vegetation aimed to restore damaged tree stock in an area of 58.9 ha. As part of compensation work, 350,140 seedlings of the following species were planted.

Scots pine 127,4 silver birch 83,51 Norway spruce 35,67 black alder 78,72 common oak 16,93 larch 5,94 lime 0,88 hornbeam 1,09

We carried out the work using recommended tree species and based on the neighbouring tree stand, on land with low suitability for agriculture (91.5 percent of plantings) and on forest land (8.5 percent of plantings).

Having performed inspections, in 2015 and 2016 we carried out supplementary planting in place of seedlings damaged by animals. Two years later, the area of plantings increased to 118 percent of the total clearance area.

Checks of plantings for the 400 kV Miłosna-Siedlce Ujrzanów line will be carried out each year until 2019.

Bat monitoring based on the example of the 400 kV Ełk-Łomża line

In 2016, we performed an as-built bat survey aimed to determine the species composition and activities of bats along the new line a year after its commissioning.

The surveys were conducted on the basis of the guidelines contained in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. For comparison with the results presented in the report, the same survey methodology was adopted.

Bat activity was checked with detectors with the use of listening techniques at times of the most intensive preying (most numerous flights). The surveys were carried out at 45 locations, including the Special Protection Area Przełomowa Dolina Narwi, where lines run across areas of high natural value. Data gathered through detector monitoring has been analysed for voice-based classification of species. An as-built survey showed the presence of 4 bat species:

  • serotine bat,
  • common noctule,
  • Daubenton's bat,
  • northern bat.

Both the pre-investment survey (2013) and the as-built survey (2016) showed the same species composition of bats. A comparison of the average activity of animals showed an increase in activity in 2016. The result shows that the investment had no negative impact on species composition or bat activity. The survey also included a check of bat mortality. No dead animals were found in any of the line sections surveyed. The lack of bat mortality resulting from collision with a line, on the one hand, confirms bats' ability to bypass terrain obstacles such as a wire of more than 1 mm in diameter (EHV line wire diameters are many times greater), and, on the other hand, it confirms that neither the wires nor pylon structures pose a threat to those mammals.

Post-implementation avian monitoring based on the example of the 400 kV Miłosna – Siedlce Ujrzanów line

In 2015-2016, in accordance with the requirements of the decision on environmental conditions for the 400 kV Miłosna-Siedlce Ujrzanów line, we performed Stage I of post-implementation monitoring involving the detection of line collision victims. The survey covered 10.6 percent of the built 90 km of the line, including 25 line spans situated at the most critical locations for birds – areas of river valleys with more diversified bird species, used also as natural migration corridors during the spring and autumn passage periods, including those situated partly in the Natura 2000 site Kostrzyń Valley.

The monitoring included checks of selected sections aimed to detect dead birds or their traces, plot collision locations on maps, identify species, age of individuals, and corpse condition. The results of the work showed that the most numerous species subject to collisions were the song thrush and the blackcap. No birds were found during the surveys, electrocuted when siting on pylons.

Our impact on the social
and natural environment

Standards and regulations relating to grid assets

GRI 103, GRI 413-2 The impact of our company's operations on the social and natural environment is of particular significance in the case of new overhead line projects. The projects are implemented under the latest European standards PN-EN 50341 on designing overhead power lines. We respect all legal acts applicable in Poland in the fields of environmental protection, spatial planning and management, property management, construction law, etc.

European standards applied in designing and building new lines ensure a high level of operational dependability of lines, a high level of public security, and minimise line impact on the environment. In order to limit tree clearance in forest areas, we follow the practice of running line wires over the forest, owing to which tree clearance can be limited to small areas, to accommodate pylon stations.

For the construction of any line, it is necessary to obtain a decision on environmental conditions, according to which wires or pylons are marked with features visible to birds (representations of predatory birds on lighting arresters or diverter spirals suspended from wires). In compliance with the applicable law, lines are also marked as aviation obstructions.

Devices, instruments and systems installed at substations also meet the requirements of the European standards, which ensures a high level of their operational dependability. Solutions are also used which reduce the environmental impact of an electrical substation, including the natural environment – e.g. each network transformer installed is equipped with an oil tray preventing oil spillage into the environment in the event of failure.

Establishment of rights to real property

In order to regulate legal relations concerning transmission facilities between transmission undertakings and property owners on whose land such facilities are situated, the term "transmission rights of way" was introduced in the Civil Code in 2008. It defines the extent to which a transmission undertaking can use third-party property on which their transmission equipment is or will be situated, i.e. any structures and facilities forming power lines. The provisions adopted provide the investor with access to facilities, i.e. pylons, wires and substation elements situated on the property in cases of failure, repair and maintenance. .

Transmission rights of way are limited property rights established on a real property in the form of notarial deed. Its scope is recorded in the land and mortgage register of the encumbered property.

According to the applicable law, remuneration and compensation for property value diminution resulting from the establishment of transmission rights of way is paid to each property owner.

Prior to the commencement of work, we have property appraisal reports prepared for property to be developed. They provide a basis for the determination of the amount of remuneration and compensation for the plot owner. The payment amount is influenced by factors such as the existing value and use of the property and damage to agricultural land, sown or gathered crops, caused by a part of property being occupied by transmission facilities. Additional compensation is payable for pylon placement. Owner usually receive the first compensation instalment after the civil-law agreement is accepted and concluded. The second instalment is paid after the signing of the notarial deed that provides the investor with access to the land and line. Compensations are also awarded for damage and losses caused in the course of construction and erection works.

In the absence of the land owner's consent to sign the public utility project rights of way agreement, following the completion of the entire negotiation process, a negotiation process is triggered in accordance with the requirements of Article 124 of the Property Management Act (PMA). However, the administrative procedure is a last resort in the negotiation process – effort are made prior to its application, aimed at finding a compromise solution.

We do not keep statistics of the number of transmission rights of way agreements concluded with property owners by contractors acting on our behalf. This concerns thousands of plots every year. We estimate the percentage of agreements concluded at 94-98 percent, while the remaining 2 to 6 percent are administrative decisions issued under Article 124 of the PMA.

Number of people physically or economically displaced and compensation for displacement

GRI EU22 We make all efforts to avoid displacement in consequence of project implementation. In 2016, no case was reported of necessary displacement due to the construction of substations and transmission lines. An overarching objective of the projects is to satisfy the current and future needs of society, enterprises and individual consumers. To achieve it, joint efforts are necessary of all interested parties.

Line impact

All electrical equipment generates an electromagnetic field around it, which is results from the presence of voltage and current flow. Extra-high voltage lines belong to this group of equipment. Low-frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic field is created around the line, of the same type as that generated by a vacuum cleaner or electrical appliances used in every home. The impact of electromagnetic fields is a common subject of discussions on the potential impact on human health.

The results of surveys carried out so far around the world do not confirm concerns about the negative impact of low-frequency electromagnetic fields on human health and other living organisms, nor do they exclude such impact. It is exactly for this reason that that Poland and the whole of the European Union have adopted relevant laws and regulations specifying, with a large safety margin, the acceptable values of impact of power facilities. They are stringently observed by our company. Prior to putting a facility into service, electromagnetic field measurements are performed, which are then subjected to verification by environmental protection bodies, which eliminates the risk of non-compliance. Interested readers are referred to the World Health Organisation (WHO) publication “Environmental Health Criteria No 238 - Extremely Low Frequency Fields”, Geneva, Switzerland, 2007).

For each investment project performed, we prepare information guides addressed to local communities, which contain reliable information on the investment concerned, including its environmental impact. The impact of electromagnetic fields is always one of the subjects of a programme of regional conferences organised by our contractors in cooperation with us.

Noise

The emitted noise level depends on the power line design and on weather conditions (it is much higher during drizzle and rain, which is beyond our control). Noise coming from newly designed lines outside the rights of way does not exceed environmental limits.

The main noise sources at our substations are transformers. We use equipment with a reduced sound power level and advanced cooling solutions. In special cases, noise screens are erected to suppress noise.

Landscape values

By assumption, we avoid running power lines across areas of special landscape value. However, the problem of a power line view, even a distant one, from a window is one of the main causes of social protests. Form each project, we aim to integrate the line into the landscape so as to minimise any negative aesthetic effect.

Electric shock or lightning stroke

Our extra-high voltage lines are fitted with ground wires. This means that the risk of lightning stroke in their vicinity is reduced. However, elementary caution is always required to be maintained near a line – in particular when performing work with the use of farming equipment.

Failure removal

Owing to a lack of legal norms governing transmission rights of way for power lines built in previous years, sometimes problems arise on privately-owned land, as repair teams' access to properties concerned is hindered or prevented. Hindering access to a site extends the time to remedy a failure or perform a repair, which causes problems, especially for the local electricity consumers.

Number of project-related meetings and events

Impact of infrastructure investments on the development of regions

GRI 103, GRI 203-1, GRI 203-2 Public purpose infrastructure investments, including the construction of electrical substations and EHV lines, significantly contribute to the improvement of living standards throughout the region. They perform a number of functions which are important from the point of view of the region and local communities.

Benefits of power investments:

  • increasing the investment attractiveness of the region,
  • ensuring better access to electricity by eliminating power consumption constraints,
  • significant budgetary revenue from taxes paid to communes – each year, a commune receives tax revenue of 2 percent of the value of the investment implemented in its territory,
  • growth of local business – employing local companies as subcontractors, services to contractors,
  • creating new jobs.
2 478 921 940 2 015/16 1000 2000 3000 2 015 2 0 1 6 1000 2000 3000

Description

Number of offices

Value of tax declared and paid [PLN]

       2016201520162015

Property tax

930

911

223 994 385

204 122 839

Agricultural tax*

13

13

1 282

4 952

Forest tax

10

10

713

823

Total

940

921

223 996 380

204 128 614

*The item is not included in the total number of communes to which we pay tax, as the same commune receives the property tax.

Educational activities

GRI 203-1 Areas related to power engineering and our activities as transmission system operator are highly important from the point of view of the economy and electricity consumers. At the same time, they are complicated and often incomprehensible to final consumers. Addressing this challenge, PSE has carried out educational actions for primary and lower secondary school pupils, as well as a series of workshops for journalists dealing with the power sector.

Educational actions

PSE's investments are accompanied by educational actions targeted at children and school youth, and thereby at local communities. The activities help to build knowledge of power engineering and energy security, and to alleviate investment-related concerns. In 2016, PSE held several educational actions which yielded measurable outcomes.

365 days without electricity and the Education City

Between September 2014 and March 2016, our contractor carried out a 2-stage educational actions in 11 communes situated in the area of the Gdańsk Przyjaźń-Żydowo Kierzkowo double-circuit line project (Żukowo, Somonino, Nowa Karczma, Kościerzyna, Lipusz, Studzienice, Parchowo, Bytów, Tuchomie, Miastko, Polanów).

Stage 1

A film competition for lower secondary school pupils conducted in September-December 2014.

Stage 2

Educational workshops for primary school pupils conducted from October 2015 to March 2016.

Lower secondary school pupils from 11 communes situated in the project area were invited to participate in a film competition. Under teachers' guidance, the pupils were to create a scenario for a short film titled “365 Days without Electricity” The project provided an opportunity for thinking how common the use of electrical appliances is and how much in the life of contemporary man depends on the availability of electricity, in other words on whether there are power lines nearby. 100 pupils from 9 lower secondary schools participated in the competition. The winners of the top three places received electronic equipment and individual prizes in kind for the team guardians and members. In addition, the winner – Lower Secondary School in Polanów – was awarded the Electrifying Scientific Show and Education City on electricity. The event was held on 23 May 2015 during a school outing, on the premises of the Public School Complex in Polanów. Under the Education City initiative, the pupils could participate in the workshops presented below.

The power of electricity

By means of a static electricity generator, pupils learned what electricity is, what electrostatic charge is, and what properties they have. They could become familiar with the phenomenon of electrical charging of bodies. They also had an opportunity to get special electrostatic hairstyles, give a friend an electrical turtle, and make a real lightning. They also found out what insulators are and what makes them different from conductors. They checked which materials conduct electricity and how a simple electrical motor could be made.

Electrostatic star

The participants learned about positive and negative electrical charges. By means of a self-made star, they checked which charges attract and which repel each other.

Electric motor

During a workshop, the pupils could see how a motor works, what mechanical energy is and how it can be converted into electrical energy. The participants built their own simple electric motors.

Simple and serial connections

The participants learned how to build a simple electric circuit, to tell a serial circuit from a parallel circuit, how such circuits work and what they are used for. The pupils could draw a diagram and then, with use of resistors, diodes and batteries, make circuits on their own. In doing this, they learned where parallel connections are used in daily life, and where serial ones.

Energy efficient – are you or are you not?

The participants deliberated how they could care about the environment, whether it matters how much of each utility they consume, whether using energy-efficient bulbs makes sense, why they should turn heating down when airing the room, whether closing the tap makes sense, why chargers should be unplugged, and what cooking has to do with energy saving.

Tesla's demonstrations, the electrifying Science Show and scientific stands were also very popular.

A second element of the educational action was a series of workshops run between September 2015 and March 2016 for fifth grade pupils of primary schools, addressed to all pupils in the project area. As part of the activities, the pupils attended classes given by qualified facilitators according to three scenarios tested previously in the Education City, tailored to the participants' age group: The Power of Electricity, Electrostatic Star, and Build an Electric Motor.

As many as 18 schools enrolled for the action.

26 classes attended in the workshops.

In total, about 500 pupils
participated in the competition.

102 km to Energy Security!

The educational action "102 km to energy security!" accompanied the construction of the 400 kV Jasiniec-Pątnów line. It was held between March and June 2016 in the form of a graphical competition for pupils of 11 lower secondary schools from areas directly affected by the project. The task was to create, with the use of any artistic technique, a poster sized A3 to A0, containing the slogan "102 km to (Energy) Security" and focusing on the benefits of the new 400 kV Jasiniec-Pątnów line. The prize was electronic equipment. The competition started on 1 March 2016. Pupils' entries were submitted by lower secondary schools from 9 communes: Konin, Skulsk, Pakość, Janikowo, Sławęcinek, Złotniki Kujawskie, Nowa Wieś Wielka, Solec Kujawski and Bydgoszcz. The results were announced on 3 June 2016. Four teams won, from the lower secondary schools in Skulsk (1st place), in Konin (2nd place), in Pakość and in Sławęcinek (3rd place jointly). Individual prizes were also awarded to the guardians of film crews and to each film crew member. In addition, on the last day of the school year, all schools and participants received commemorative diplomas.


Securely into the Future with Energy

The educational action "Securely into the Future with Energy" was carried out under the 400 kV Grudziądz-Pelplin-Gdańsk Przyjaźń line construction project in the school year 2015/2016 (March-June 2016). It took the form of a film competition for pupils of 24 lower secondary schools from areas directly affected by the project. Pupils from one or more classes could form the teams representing a school – up to 10 pupils plus a guardian. The competition entry was to be a short film of up to 3 minutes advertising the project, submitted in electronic format. Lower secondary schools from 10 communes submitted their competition entries. The winning teams from the lower secondary schools in Pelplin (1st place), Gruta (2 place) and Morzeszczyn (3rd place) won electronic equipment for their schools. In addition, individual prizes were awarded for winning the 1st place to the film crew guardians and to each crew member. On the last day of the school year, 24 June 2016, the schools and the competition participants received commemorative diplomas.


Energy for Lower Silesia!

From April to June 2017, the contractors of the 400 kV Mikułowa-Czarna and Czarna-Pasikurowice power lines carried out the educational action “Energy for Lower Silesia!”. Its aim was to win public acceptance for the line project by building awareness of energy security of the Lower Silesian province and both projects.

The competition consisted of two parts. In the part related to the 400 kV Mikułowa-Czarna project, invitations to participate were sent to the lower secondary schools from the communes of Sulików, Siekierczyn, Lubań, Nowogrodziec, Lwówek Śląski, Pielgrzymka, Złotoryja, Krotoszyce, Męcinka and Legnickie Pole. On the Czarna-Pasikurowice line route, lower secondary schools from the Długołęka, Wisznia Mała, Oborniki Śląskie, Miękinia, Środa Śląska and Malczyce communes were invited to participate in the action. The lower secondary school of the Ruja Commune, which is situated on the route of both lines, could participate in a part of their choosing. The competition entry was a short film not exceeding 3 minutes, concerning energy security of the region and the relevant investment project. Any technique was allowed with the use of a multimedia device for film recording (e.g. a smartphone, photo or video camera). Overall, about 70 lower secondary school pupils from 9 communes participated in the competition. In the part concerning the Mikułowa-Czarna line, awards were given to films sent in by lower secondary schools from Męcinka (1st place), Siekierczyna (2nd place) and Legnickie Pole (3rd place). In the part concerning the Czarna-Pasikurowice line, we presented prizes to lower secondary schools from Wisznia Mała (1st place), Oborniki Śląskie (2nd place) and Miękinia (3rd place). Three winning teams under competitions related to each of the two projects received electronic equipment for their schools. The prizes were officially presented to the winning lower secondary schools and to the film crew members on 23 June.

All our educational actions were welcome both by school principals, commune authorities, teachers, and the pupils themselves. Before launching each initiative, the project contractor's representatives met with representatives of the schools to explain the objectives and rules of the action. The competitions were planned so as to encourage looking for information on energy security-related issues. In addition, the main indicated data source were the project web pages, boosting the awareness of the projects implemented by the contractors. The recipients of all the above-mentioned educational actions were not only pupils but also teachers from schools situated nearby planned project sites, and indirectly also pupils' parents, local authorities and journalists. The educational actions achieved PSE's goal – they strengthened awareness and educated the public on the operation of the energy market. 

Educational workshops for journalists

Representatives of the media are very important stakeholders of our company. Based on the assumption that good preparation, specialist knowledge and awareness of mechanisms determining the TSO's activities are key to the professional skills of the journalists who deal with the power sector, we conducted a mini survey on the areas and scope of topics related to PSE's activities for which trade journalists might need educational support. We sought the opinions of trade journalists who most often cover the activities of the transmission system operator, including representatives of the WNP, Wysokie Napięcie, MONTEL and Biznes Alert websites, as well as representatives of news agencies and national newspapers. Our initiative met with high interest. The surveyed media representatives confirmed the need to enhance knowledge and proposed issues that they believed should be discussed first. This way, owing to the commitment of the company's team and the management of the System Management Department, International Cooperation Department, Transmission Department, and many PSE experts, between December 2016 and June 2017, we managed to arrange 6 workshop editions for trade journalists.

The first workshops for journalists took place on 14 December 2016. The workshop focused on the PPS operation management – balancing of the Polish Power System. Issues related to the balancing market and remedial actions available to the TSO were also discussed at the meeting, along with information in what situations and in what order they are used. The subject of cold intervention reserve was also tackled and power consumption constraints were discussed, i.e. when, why and with what effect they are imposed.

On 23 January 2017, we arranged another workshop. This time, issues concerning the management of interconnections were explained – the types of connections with the neighbouring countries and their operating conditions (AC vs DC), as well as unscheduled flows (loop and transit). The subject of how those issues translate into real-life operation of the system and remedial actions taken to ease the load on interconnections (Redispatching: XBR, MRA, phase shifters).

The third workshop was held on 8 February 2017. During that edition, capacity calculation issues were discussed for cross-border interconnections. Differences between the currently operating uncoordinated NTC system and Flow-Based Market Coupling as the final solution were discussed. Network factors were also discussed, such as failures, upgrades and balancing considerations, as well as their impact on export and import volumes. In the latter part of the meeting, the organisation of market processes was presented as well as differences between the zonal and nodal market models.

The fourth meeting with journalists under the educational workshop was held on 13 April 2017, and its lead topic was the capacity market and related issues. The conditions governing the market were discussed and explained, as well as functional solutions, then in the development stage.

On 19 May 2017, the fifth workshop for journalists was held. At the workshop, the latest solutions were discussed, prepared at the PSE CG in a collaborative effort with the National Centre for Nuclear Research, concerning the DSR services – interruptible load programmes.

The last workshop edition was held on 22 June 2017. The first part of the meeting was devoted to selected aspects of operation of the interconnected systems in Europe, ENTSO-E and system data, i.e. the resource available on the www.pse.pl website. The second part of the workshop focused on interpreting all the issues presented before.

The workshops for journalists perfectly fell in line with the assumptions of the SMART PSE programme. Understanding and satisfying the educational needs of an important group of shareholders, including media representatives, allowed us to improve cooperation with them, and to improve the targeting of the message on our activities addressed to the public opinion. They were conducted by representatives of the PSE management board and experts from the System Management Department and the Transmission Department.

Meetings with journalists allowed us not only share a rather hermetic and specialist knowledge, but also to better define the needs of media representatives. We are planning to continue our educational initiatives. What provides an additional stimulus in this respect are changes in the environment, continuous technological progress, as well as new solutions and mechanisms influencing the TSO's operation.

Go to