The Zwartowo solar power plant enters the Polish balancing energy market – a joint milestone for GOLDBECK SOLAR and Respect Energy

The qualification represents an important step forward for renewable energy integration in Poland. While balancing services are well established for conventional power plants and selected wind farms, large‑scale solar assets have so far faced significant technical, regulatory and operational barriers preventing participation.

Highly demanding qualification for photovoltaic generation

Due to its installed capacity, the Zwartowo solar power plant is legally required to qualify for balancing services. For photovoltaic assets, however, the entry requirements are particularly stringent and go well beyond standard criteria for participation in electricity markets.

“The requirements are very harsh, especially for solar plants due to the intermittent nature of production and dependence on weather conditions,” says Affan Ahsan, Head of Asset Management at GOLDBECK SOLAR. “Balancing markets were not designed with large‑scale photovoltaics in mind. Qualification requires precise controllability, very high data quality, reliable forecasting, as well as robust operational and legal processes.”

The qualification process took approximately 14 months and involved close coordination with grid operators,regulatory authorities and market participants. Its successful outcome reflects both strong technical foundations and a coordinated asset‑management and trading strategy.

Market participation as a strategic value driver

Beyond regulatory compliance, active participation in the balancing market is increasingly becoming a strategic lever for improving renewable asset economics. Internal modelling indicates that solar PV assets can achieve up to 10 percent short‑term revenue upside by actively bidding into ancillary service markets, with long‑term gains stabilising at around 4 percent. In addition, balancing participation helps reduce curtailment risk, improve dispatch predictability, and strengthen resilience against market volatility.

“These services allow renewable assets to move beyond being passive price takers,” Ahsan explains. “They protect downside risk, stabilise cash flows and enable solar plants to actively support system stability.”

As of 21 April, Respect Energy, one of Poland’s leading energy trading and direct marketing companies, is responsible for trading the Zwartowo system in the balancing market. The project builds on Respect Energy’s extensive experience in managing renewable assets across multiple energy and ancillary service markets.

Strong cooperation between asset management and trading expertise

The collaboration between GOLDBECK SOLAR and Respect Energy was a critical success factor in navigating the complex regulatory framework and ensuring the technical and commercial readiness of the plant. Respect Energy will leverage the experience gained in future projects focused on maximising the value of renewable assets, energy storage, and CHP plants.

“Completion of the PV Zwartowo balancing services qualification is an important milestone not only for Respect Energy, but for the entire market. It proves that renewable energy sources can actively support system flexibility and respond to market needs. We are developing a unique product that opens new opportunities for owners of renewable assets, energy storage facilities, and CHP plants seeking to maximise returns from their operations,” says Karol Wolański, Head of Flexibility and Aggregation at Respect Energy.

The project used a remote LFC node supplied by Emerson, with the estimation model developed in-house by Respect Energy. GOLDBECK SOLAR provided technical and commercial asset support, including Asset Management and O&M services, and was responsible for the plant’s EPC. Energopomiar handled the preparation and execution of the TSO-compliant test programme, as well as the final qualification report. Emerson’s control and communication solutions, drawing on extensive energy-sector experience, played a key role in the project.

The project demonstrates the growing maturity of renewable energy, showing that modern installations can meet stringent operator requirements and provide high-quality system services.

Proof point for EPC quality and future‑ready assets

The qualification of Zwartowo also highlights the importance of high‑quality EPC execution. Participation in balancing services requires power plants to meet the highest standards in controllability, availability, grid compliance and data reliability.

“Only well‑designed and professionally managed assets can meet these requirements,” says Ahsan. “Zwartowo shows how EPC excellence and advanced asset management directly translate into higher margins and long‑term value creation.”

By setting a first‑of‑its‑kind benchmark for large‑scale solar in Poland, GOLDBECK SOLAR and Respect Energy jointly contribute to the further integration of renewable energy into liberalised electricity markets and demonstrate the growing role of solar PV as an active system participant.

About Respect Energy

Respect Energy (RE) is a leading next-generation energy transition player in CEE, with broad and active operations across the energy market. Initially focused on energy trading, the company has now grown into one of the largest players in the green energy purchase market, offering various types of PPAs to over 2.000 RES producers in the RE portfolio. This energy sourced from entirely from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biogas is then sold to both B2B and B2C customers, seeking to enhance the positive environmental impact of their business activities. The Group actively develops renewable energy projects from initial concept to implementation, both in Poland and internationally. Respect Energy own and operates its own generation assets and is expanding its portfolio to include additional wind and solar farms, as well as battery energy storage systems (BESS). It also provides comprehensive BESS management solutions, including flexibility and aggregation services, designed to maximize revenue.”

Further information can be found at: https://respect.energy/