Development of electric power network infrastructure in aspect of electric energy supply security – case study Poland

In this paper, an analysis of issues related to development of national electric power network infrastructure in aspect of electric energy security is performed. Profile of network infrastructure in area of transmission and distribution is performed. Threats for electric energy supply security connected with transmission and distribution infrastructure are discussed. Both transmission and distribution electric power network are adapted for presently occurred typical conditions of electric energy demand and realization of internal tasks in normal conditions, but can create potential threat for electric energy supply security. In the context of forecasted increase of electric energy demand, inadequate power in National Electric Power System (NEPS) in domestic sources and available through intersystem connections, uneven location of sources and consumers at shortage of proper network transmission capacities, necessity of improvement of quality and electric energy supply reliability to final consumers and intensive development of renewable energy sources, present network infrastructure in area of transmission and distribution will be insufficient. Development of 400 and 220 kV transmission network, 110 kV distribution network especially in area of cities, MV distribution network especially in rural areas and realization of investments for improvement of export-import possibilities of NEPS will be necessary. Challenges for transmission and distribution system operators in area of network development are performed. They concern mainly investment sphere and area connected with preparation and construction of network investments