Port Polska has submitted its first application for funding under the European Union’s FEnIKS programme, seeking financial support for the construction of a smart electricity distribution network designed to supply the country’s future national airport.

The project has an estimated total value exceeding PLN 127 million, with more than PLN 103 million classified as eligible expenditure. The company is requesting PLN 70 million in non-repayable EU funding under Measure 2.3 – Electricity Distribution, Call II.

The application marks Port Polska’s first attempt to secure financing through this particular programme.

A strategic energy investment included in the FEnIKS project list

Port Polska’s access to FEnIKS funding for infrastructure development has previously faced restrictions. In 2023, criteria introduced by the government at the time prevented the company from obtaining support under the programme for its railway investments.

Nevertheless, this did not completely rule out the possibility of financing other projects linked to the company's investment programme.

Since 2025, Port Polska has been holding discussions with government ministries and the institutions responsible for managing European funds to obtain financial support for the future airport's energy infrastructure.

These efforts led to an important development in July, when the project entitled Construction of a Smart Electricity Distribution Network as Part of the Port Polska Programme was added to the FEnIKS List of Identified Projects. Its inclusion opened the way for consideration through a non-competitive selection procedure.

This mechanism is intended, among other things, for investments considered strategically important to national development, as well as public-interest projects arising from statutory obligations.

However, inclusion on the list does not guarantee financial assistance. Port Polska was still required to submit a formal application accompanied by extensive supporting documentation. The project must also pass the full assessment process and receive a positive evaluation before funding can be awarded.

Smart electricity infrastructure for the future airport.

The planned distribution network will be incorporated into the permanent electrical supply system of the new national airport. Its development is aimed at the creation of reliable and resilient energy infrastructure to satisfy the needs of the airport and the wider area currently undergoing development around it .

The GPO-C substation (Main Receiving Point) and its connection to the 110 kV electricity network are a significant part of the project. This installation will be an important part of the power supply arrangements of the future airport.

The investment will provide not only enough electricity capacity but also smart grid technologies that will enhance monitoring and management of the distribution network.

These solutions will enable operators to monitor the state of the network in real time and to better manage the distribution of electricity. The goal is to enhance the security of supply, maintain the continuity of service and assure a consistent quality of electricity.

The project is also expected to help develop modern electricity infrastructure that is more resilient to climate-related challenges.

The implementation is planned for 2027-2029. The result of the funding assessment should be known around the turn of 2026 and 2027.

FEnIKS: over €24 billion for investment in infrastructure and environment

The program European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment program (FEnIKS) 2021–2027 is the largest national program financed by the European Union within the scope of the current financial framework.

Its total budget amounts to more than EUR 24 billion, supporting projects in the areas of infrastructure development, improvement of energy efficiency, environmental protection and better living conditions for the residents.

The program is financed by the European Union, but it is carried out by Polish institutions. These bodies are responsible for preparing calls for funding, assessing applications and selecting projects for financial support.

So far, Port Polska has attracted more than PLN 600 million in EU funds.

The need for the airport’s electricity distribution network is a part of Port Polska’s wider strategy of obtaining European financial support for further stages of its investment program.

The company has already received more than PLN 600 million in EU funding for railway-related projects. It has also agreed on the financial settlement of four projects co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

In October Port Polska continued its efforts to obtain further European funding, submitting three more applications to the European Commission. All in all, the requests include more than EUR 63 million in grants for projects within the framework of the wider Port Polska program.

The proposed investments are related to several areas of railroad development and technical preparation.

They include construction of a section of the Łódź ' Fabryczna–Łódź Retkinia tunnel for the High-Speed Rail network, archeological investigations and earthworks along the Warsaw–Łódź High-Speed Rail corridor, development of preliminary pre-design documentation for cross-border connections.

The results of the European Commission funding competition are expected in March 2027.

Overall, Port Polska is preparing and submitting funding applications worth nearly PLN 350 million under the CEF and FEnIKS programs.

In addition to its current uses, the company is discussing and preparing the next multiannual financial framework of the European Union for the period 2028-2034.