Poland's largest coal miner invests in solar power

Poland's largest coal producer, PGG, is seeking a private-sector partner to build new solar power plants. The company plans to build facilities with a total capacity of more than 36 MWp. These steps reflect a broader trend, with the country's renewable energy capacity growing significantly in recent years.

The initiative reflects a broader trend in which Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG) is using mainly underutilised industrial sites for renewable energy projects. The investment comes as Poland rapidly expands its renewable energy capacity, and not just solar. At the beginning of 2026, renewable energy sources accounted for more than 50% of the country's installed power generation capacity for the first time, underscoring the growing role of solar and wind power in the national energy mix.

As reported, for example, by RenewablesNow, the company is now planning major investments in solar power and has issued a call for partners to build a total of three solar farms with a combined capacity of more than 36 MWp. The projects will be located in Gierałtowice, Ruda and Chełm Śląski, with the largest facility planned for Gierałtowice. The main project will have a capacity of 30 MWp and cover approximately 48.2 ha of land, of which 1.1 ha is directly owned by PGG. The other two projects—a 3.2 MWp plant in Ruda and a 3.5 MWp plant in Chełm Śląski—will be built at the sites of the company's existing coal mines.

PGG is proposing a partnership based on cooperation and complementary expertise, with the final business structure to be determined through discussions with interested parties. The company said it would assess various business and payment models before selecting its preferred approach.

Under the proposed arrangement, the selected partner will be responsible for the design, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance of the solar farms. The partner will also secure the permits required for the projects. PGG said it had already completed key preparatory work, including environmental and zoning decisions and technical and economic assessments. According to PGG, the call is aimed at companies with experience delivering comparable photovoltaic projects.