260-ton transformer from South Korea arrives at Żarnowiec energy storage site

A 260-ton power transformer has been delivered to the construction site of the Żarnowiec Energy Storage facility in northern Poland, marking a key milestone for the 262 MW / 981 MWh project. The transformer, manufactured in South Korea, will enable the storage system to connect to the national grid by stepping up voltage from 30 kV to 400 kV, a necessary step for integrating the battery installation with Poland's electricity infrastructure.

The delivery

The transformer arrived at the site after a complex multi-modal transport operation spanning sea, river, and road. It was shipped from South Korea across the Pacific, Indian, North, and Baltic Seas to the port of Gdynia. From there, it was transferred onto a pontoon and towed by tugboats to Władysławowo, before completing the final leg by road to Żarnowiec. The road segment required temporary protection of infrastructure at nearly every intersection due to the load's dimensions and weight.

1. Sea voyageTransformer shipped from South Korea across Pacific, Indian, North, and Baltic Seas.
2. Gdynia portTransformer unloaded from ship onto a pontoon at the port of Gdynia.
3. Pontoon to WładysławowoPontoon towed by tugboats to the port of Władysławowo.
4. Road to ŻarnowiecFinal road transport to Żarnowiec, requiring temporary road infrastructure protection.
5. Site deliveryTransformer arrives at the Żarnowiec Energy Storage construction site.

Transformer's role

Krzysztof Müller, President of PGE Energia Odnawialna, described the delivery as one of the project's critical moments.

It is this transformer that enables the voltage to be raised from 30 kV to 400 kV, allowing energy exchange with the national power system. In the coming weeks we will begin its installation and the construction of the high-voltage switchgear.

The transformer is essential for linking the battery storage to the grid, enabling the facility to absorb and discharge electricity as needed.

Logistics

The transport required careful coordination between multiple parties. Grzegorz Kiel of LG Energy Solution Wrocław highlighted the operational challenges.

Due to the dimensions and weight of the device, almost every intersection required additional organizational measures. In some places, special plates had to be used to protect the road infrastructure to ensure safe passage.

The entire journey from the factory in South Korea to the construction site in Żarnowiec involved ocean shipping, a pontoon transfer with tugboats, and a carefully managed road convoy.

Project context

The Żarnowiec Energy Storage facility will have a power capacity of 262 MW and an energy capacity of 981 MWh. It is located near the site of future PGE offshore wind farms and next to Poland's largest pumped-storage hydroelectric plant, also in Żarnowiec and operated by PGE Energia Odnawialna. Once operational, the storage system will help balance the national grid and increase the utilisation of energy from renewable sources. The project is supported by funds from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) and is scheduled to be commissioned in mid-2027.

Next steps

Construction is advancing: over 150 DC-Link units have already been installed, and electrical work is about to begin. With the transformer now on site, installation and the assembly of the high-voltage switchgear will start in the coming weeks. PGE, Poland's largest power utility, is overseeing the project through its renewable energy subsidiary, moving the country closer to its energy transition goals.