Electricity Storage System with a Capacity from 50 kW to 10 MW and an Area Above 1 ha (Above 0.5 ha in Protected Areas)
Steps in the investment process for implementing this system
Electricity storage systems with an installed capacity above 50 kW and not exceeding 10 MW, whose area exceeds 1 ha (or 0.5 ha in protected areas), require obtaining a series of approvals and permits. In some cases, it may also be necessary to obtain a construction permit.
Step 1 – Decision on environmental conditions
Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions is the first stage in the investment and construction process for an electricity storage system with an area above 1 ha (or above 0.5 ha in protected areas).
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Decision on Environmental Conditions
Step 2 – Spatial planning
In the Polish legal framework, the most important role is played by Local Spatial Development Plans (MPZP), and in areas not covered by these plans, during the transitional period after the entry into force of the spatial planning reform (Act of 7 July 2023 amending the Act on Spatial Planning and Development and certain other acts (Journal of Laws 2023, item 1688)) – Decisions on Land Development Conditions. An additional solution introduced by the reform is the Integrated Investment Plan (ZPI).
Step 3 – Obtaining grid connection conditions
Ensuring connection to the electricity grid is a stage of the investment and construction process that precedes obtaining a construction permit or is processed in parallel. Under the current legal framework, grid connection is a prerequisite not only for the delivery and sale of electricity but also for its storage.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Application for Issuance of Conditions for Connection to the Electricity Grid
Step 4 – Notifications, agreements, and construction permits
Depending on the location of the electricity storage system and its capacity (kWh), different construction-related requirements may apply.
Below is a summary of obligations for installing storage systems outside buildings and inside buildings, including construction notifications, fire safety arrangements, and cases where a construction permit is required.
Electricity storage systems outside buildings
- up to 30 kWh – no construction notification and no construction permit required
- 30–300 kWh – construction notification with:
- technical documentation agreed with a fire safety expert,
- site development plan (also fire‑safety‑approved),
- notification to the State Fire Service (PSP) upon completion of construction and before start of operation
- 300–2000 kWh – as above, plus:
- notification to the State Fire Service (PSP) with a plan showing the location of the storage system and information relevant for rescue teams
- above 2000 kWh – construction permit required
- 30–300 kWh – construction notification with fire‑safety‑approved technical documentation, plus notification to the PSP upon completion of construction
- above 300 kWh – construction permit required
Notification of Construction with a Building Design
Notification to the State Fire Service of the completion of construction
Step 5 – Notification on completion of construction works
Electricity storage systems have not been classified as facilities requiring an occupancy permit. Therefore, the commencement of use of the electricity storage system is possible after notifying the building supervision authority of the completion of construction, provided that this authority does not raise an objection by decision within 14 days from the date of delivery of the notification.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Notification on Completion of Construction Works
Step 6 – Entry into the register of electricity storage facilities
Under Article 43g(1) of the Energy Law, regarding electricity storage, electricity system operators are obliged to maintain registers of storage facilities connected to their networks.
The obligation to report an electricity storage facility to the register, as provided for in the Energy Law, has been imposed on the holders of a storage facility connected to the operator’s network. The term “holder” refers to both the independent holder and the dependent holder, i.e., the entity that actually controls the storage facility and its operation. Electricity storage facilities with an installed capacity greater than 50 kW are subject to registration and classification as a generating unit.
Detailed description of this procedure can be found at:
Entry into the Register of Electricity Storage Facilities