Reactive power management in Poland

In Poland, reactive power management is governed by grid codes and regulations set by the Transmission System Operator (PSE - Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The policies aim to ensure grid stability, minimize losses, and maintain efficient power flow.

1. Reactive Power Requirements in Poland

A. General Power Factor (PF) Standards

• Standard PF Requirement:

  • Minimum 0.95 (inductive or capacitive) for most consumers.

  • Some industrial users may have stricter requirements (e.g., 0.98).

• Penalties apply if PF falls below the required threshold.

B. Reactive Power Compensation Rules

• Consumers with high reactive power demand (typically industrial and large commercial users) must install automatic power factor correction (APFC) systems (capacitor banks or Static VAr Generator).

• Generators (renewable & conventional) must provide reactive power support as per grid operator requirements.

2. Reactive Power Charges & Penalties

Poland follows a tariff-based system where reactive power consumption is either:

• Billed directly (kVArh charges) or

• Penalized via a multiplier on active energy (kWh) costs if PF is too low.

A. Billing Methods

1. Direct kVArh Billing

   • Some DSOs charge for reactive energy exceeding a threshold (e.g., reactive energy beyond what corresponds to PF = 0.95).

   • Example formula:

     Reactive Energy Charge=(kVArh−Allowed kVArh)×Tariff Rate
     Reactive Energy Charge=(kVArh−Allowed kVArh)×Tariff Rate

     where Allowed kVArh = kWh × tan(cos⁻¹(0.95)).

2. Power Factor Penalty Surcharge

   • If PF < 0.95, a penalty multiplier is applied to the energy bill.

   • Example:

     • PF = 0.90 → +2% surcharge

     • PF = 0.80 → +5% surcharge

3. Grid Code Requirements for Generators

• Renewable Energy (Wind & Solar):

  • Must provide dynamic reactive power support (e.g., via inverters with PF adjustment capability).

  • Required to operate in PF range 0.95 lagging to 0.95 leading (or as specified by PSE).

• Conventional Power Plants:

  • Must comply with PSE’s voltage and reactive power control requirements.

4. How to Avoid Penalties?

✔ Install Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) systems (capacitor banks for inductive loads).
✔ Use synchronous condensers or STATCOMs for large industrial plants.
✔ Monitor PF in real-time (smart meters with PF measurement).
✔ For renewables: Ensure inverters comply with grid code reactive power requirements.