POWER: Tauron to Invest PLN3.5bn in Energy Complex at Coal Site

Poland's Tauron is planning to invest PLN3.5bn (0.80bn) to transform the Siersza coal power plant into a modern energy and industrial complex by adding up to 800MW of new generation capacity, it said. * The firm plans to construct a 630MW OCGT plant at the site, which will be the main source of generation after 2030. * Tauron also plans to install a large-scale energy storage facility, solar PV plants and a waste thermal treatment project. * The 360MW Siersza coal plant is currently scheduled to operate at least until the end of 2027, while Tauron plans to extend operations to 2028 by securing a contract in the next capacity market auction. * The firm added it may intend to extend operations until 2030, depending on regulatory approvals.