Poland’s CPK Signs Power Deal for High-Speed Rail Line

CPK and PSE finalize a PLN 46M deal to power the Warsaw-Łódź high-speed rail, enabling 350 km/h speeds and boosting Poland’s national connectivity.

Poland’s CPK Signs Power Deal for High-Speed Rail Line
January 22, 2026 2:39 pm
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • CPK and Poland’s grid operator PSE signed agreements to connect the Warsaw–Łódź high-speed line to the national power grid.
  • The contracts, valued over PLN 46 million (€10.9 million), will facilitate a 2×25 kV AC power system, a first for Poland.
  • This infrastructure is critical for enabling train speeds up to 350 km/h and powering the new CPK airport hub.

WARSAW, POLAND – Poland’s Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) and national grid operator Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) have finalized agreements exceeding PLN 46 million (€10.9 million) to supply electricity to the planned Warsaw–Łódź high-speed rail line. The deal covers the integration of two new traction substations into the national transmission system, a foundational step for the country’s high-speed rail ambitions.

CategorySpecification / Detail
ProjectWarsaw–Łódź High-Speed Line Power Supply
Agreement ValueOver PLN 46 million (approx. €10.9 million)
Key StakeholdersCentralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne (PSE)
HSR Power System2×25 kV AC (Alternating Current)
Max Design SpeedUp to 350 km/h
Line Length140 km (Warsaw-Łódź)
Target Operation Date2032 (Warsaw-Łódź section)
EU Funding (CEF)€64 million (for development & construction)

Operational & Technical Details

The agreements mandate PSE to connect two new traction substations. One, located near the planned CPK airport, will link to a new 400/110 kV substation. This facility will serve a dual purpose, powering both the high-speed line and all critical airport infrastructure, including the air traffic control tower and operational centers. The second substation, in Dmosin near Łódź, will draw power from the existing Stryków 400/220/110 kV station. CPK is responsible for the design and construction of the traction substations, while PSE will manage the grid connection infrastructure.

The project introduces the 2×25 kV AC power standard to Poland for the first time. This system is considered the most energy-efficient solution for high-speed operations, enabling design speeds of 350 km/h. Existing connecting railway lines will continue to use the legacy 3 kV DC standard, creating a dual-regime power system for the integrated network.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
For context on this project’s history, you can read about the initial investment announcement.

➤ Read More: UK Gov Invests £77M in Cardiff Central Station Upgrade, Boosting Capacity

Market Impact Analysis

Securing the power supply is a non-negotiable milestone for the entire CPK “megaproject.” This agreement de-risks a critical dependency for the 140 km Warsaw-Łódź line, the first section of the larger “Y” network planned to connect Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, and Wrocław. The project’s completion will halve the Warsaw-Łódź journey time to 45 minutes, significantly enhancing Poland’s national connectivity and aligning its infrastructure with the EU’s North Sea-Baltic TEN-T corridor. The dual-use substation for rail and air demonstrates an integrated approach to national infrastructure development, central to the CPK program’s strategy.


FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this contract?

The cumulative value of the power supply agreements exceeds PLN 46 million, which is approximately €10.9 million.

When is the Warsaw-Łódź line expected to be operational?

According to current estimates, the line is scheduled to become operational in 2032.

What makes the power system unique for Poland?

The high-speed line will use a 2×25 kV alternating current (AC) system, the first application of this standard in Poland. It is designed to support train speeds up to 350 km/h.