EU backs Polish solar power scheme

Photo: wikipedia

Some 94.2 million zloty (22.5 million euro) are being invested in the project, with 63 million zloty (15 million euro) provided by the EU.

At present, 15 municipalities in the region have signed contracts with the Masovia Regional Board, and another four are due to follow.

Solar panels are being installed on both public and private buildings across the region.

The first wave of solar investment, which took place in a number of municipalities in western Masovia in October, already appears to be yielding favourable results.

“The solar panels mounted in the municipality on public buildings provide annual savings on energy costs of up to 30 percent,” commented Andrzej Skolimowski, mayor of Przesmyki.

“Similar savings can be expected by individual residents who have solar panels on their roofs.”

The EU funds were granted under the auspices of the Regional Operational Programme for Masovia 2007-2013 ( ROP WM).

The remainder is being subsidized by the municipalities themselves, and individual households typically pay about 1300 zloty [310 euros], if they want to take part in the programme.

At present, Poland is engaged in a wide-ranging programme to broaden its energy portfolio, partly as a means of becoming less dependent on Russian natural gas. Besides a major bid to tap into its shale gas potential, Poland has also approved plans to have two nuclear power stations up and running by 2035. the first by 2024. (nh)

Source: PAP