came to light when photos of the objects were sent to the regional office for the Protection of Monuments in Szczecin A police officer specializing in the recovery of stolen artifacts was quickly assigned to the case The investigation led to individuals who had circulated the photos who claimed they found the treasure after it was anonymously left outside the Gryfino historical society’s office A police spokesperson described the find as “one of the largest Bronze Age treasures discovered in Poland in recent years.” They added: “The artifacts were removed from the ground without authorization destroying their archaeological context and preventing further dating and analysis.” comprising 73 large items and various smaller pieces has been handed over to the regional monument office which will determine its future location after the investigation concludes Authorities are now working to trace those responsible for the unauthorized excavation the individuals could face up to eight years in prison under Poland’s Heritage Protection Act Gryfino is a town on Poland’s north-western border with Germany Twice a year it gathers Polish and German runners who cross the border together According to Filip, in its early days in the 1990s the cross-border aspect was very different than now and the race allowed people to interact with their neighbours living across the border It also helped to unite people through the universal experience of sport Solveiga Kaļva, originally from Riga, Latvia, is a student of Folkloristics and Applied Heritage Studies Masters Programme at the University of Tartu, Estonia. Her interests include writing, photography, art, music. She also runs a travel blog. This article is part of the Solidarity Academy – Borderlands 2018 an international project supported by a grant from the International Visegrad Fund The consequences of Russia’s invasion are visible not only in Ukraine The Kremlin has set off or exploited a series of crises that face most European countries New thinking is needed in policies towards Russia in whatever form it will take after the war Ukraine’s suffering goes well beyond the front line With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine we now see our western values under siege whether we consciously recognise it or not The invasion by Russian forces of Ukraine from the north south and east – with the initial aim to take the capital Kyiv – has changed our region The situation with Russian threats towards Ukraine once again illustrates the high level of instability in our region Only a year ago we witnessed the second Nagorno-Karabakh war between Armenia and Azerbaijan It took at least 5,000 lives and significantly shifted the geopolitics in the South Caucuses This special issue aims to honour the plight of Belarusians whose democratic choice made in August 2020 was shamelessly snubbed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka a lot of work still remains for this country And this is why Ukraine’s story is incomplete 30 years after the fall of the Soviet Union Our societies are more polarised than ever before which makes them more susceptible to disinformation The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed limitations and weaknesses in nearly all countries around the world volatility and the relationship between Russia and the West The Black Sea region is quickly becoming a geopolitical battleground which is gaining the interest of major powers regional players and smaller countries – and the stakes are only getting higher This issue is dedicated to the 10 year anniversary of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership as well as the 30 years since the 1989 revolutions in Central Europe The consequences of the emerging multipolar world This issue takes a special look at the role and responsibility of the public intellectual in Central and Eastern Europe today In the eastern parts of the European continent 1918 is remembered not only as the end of the First World War but also saw the emergence of newly-independent states and the rise of geopolitical struggles which are felt until this day that Belarus remains isolated from the West and very static in its transformation The Summer 2018 issue of New Eastern Europe tackles the complexity of para-states in the post-Soviet space When Miguel Vicedo was a graduate engineering student in Chicago he attended a career fair with one idea in mind: the bigger especially for someone from a small town who longed to travel and experience different cultures Vicedo met a recruiter from GE Vernova and considered how the company checked all the boxes a massive business producing giant machines Launch customer Taurus Energy to implement world’s first AGP XPAND upgrade at the 1,250 megawatts (MW) combined cycle Bazyan Power Plant in Iraq New upgrade marks GE Vernova’s continuous R&D investments in its Gas Power business to improve existing technologies New AGP XPAND upgrade expected to boost the power output and efficiency of existing 9E.03 gas turbines across the world – this could lead to a cumulative increase of 5 gigawatts (GW) at the global level  IRAQ (April 28,2025) – GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) announced today the AGP XPAND upgrade an evolution of its proven Advanced Gas Path (AGP) technology introduced more than a decade ago on the company’s 9E.03 fleet to boost gas turbine capacity The first AGP XPAND is planned to be installed at the 1,250 MW Bazyan Power Plant —operated by Taurus Energy a private energy group with a track record in power generation Consulate General Erbil along other senior government officials and local business leaders The new technology is engineered to help gas plant power producers and industrial operators increase their 9E.03 gas turbines output by up to approximately 7 percent with an approximately 1 percent of incremental efficiency exhaust energy could increase by up to 2.6 percent to produce more steam or power for combined heat and power (CHP) plants or combined cycle plants powered by four GE Vernova 9E.03 and two 9F.04 gas turbines The plant is fueled by natural gas as the primary fuel source and light fuel oil as back–up fuel and engineered for base-load operations with an expected lifetime of 25-30 years The AGP XPAND upgrade is expected to enhance the current capacity and deliver additional much-needed electricity to the Kurdistan Region as well as nearby cities and governorates such as Mosul and Salahaldin Additionally, a new 17-year long term service agreement was signed covering four GE Vernova’s 9E units with the first 9E Rotor Life Extension package in Iraq demonstrating an extension of the strategic collaboration between the two companies “We have a long-standing relationship with GE Vernova we have been utilizing GE Vernova’s technology is leading the way in bringing this breakthrough technology to Iraq,” said Sheikh Saad Tayeb Hasan “By utilizing Kurdistan Region’s natural gas resources and power generation capacity we are laying the foundation to create an energy hub we can contribute to the efforts to meet local energy needs as well as transmit additional power to other parts of the country Our celebration today truly confirms GE Vernova’s long-term commitment to Iraq.” Built on 9E’s fleet experience and the technical improvements from the 9E.03 AGP AGP XPAND components have evolved by making additional updates to the materials and sealing of AGP components enabling a substantial increase the firing temperature above that of the 9E AGP These components were engineered by GE Vernova’s teams in Greenville United States and in GE Vernova’s Engineering Center in Warsaw They are produced at the company’s Manufacturing Excellence Centers in Belfort “With over 730 units deployed worldwide, half of which are installed in the Middle East and Africa, GE Vernova has the largest operating and most experienced E-class fleet in the world and confirms its commitment to keep its mature fleets competitive in today’s very dynamic marketplace,” said Amit Kulkarni “Improving existing technologies is the fastest way to inject power to the grid The modernization of the current 9E.03 installed base can boost the power output and efficiency of existing 9E.03 gas turbines across the world This would lead to a possible cumulative increase of up to 5 gigawatts of electricity at the global level and a combined more than $100* million in fuel savings annually for the same baseline output while opening up the potential for an aggregate incremental profitability of up to $310 million annually due to the new power capacity*.” both in a simple or combined cycle configuration can be upgraded to AGP XPAND during a typical hot gas path or major inspection “We are delighted to celebrate the new long term service agreement and the installation of our new upgrade at the Bazyan power plant,” said Joseph Anis President & CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Europe “We trust this upgrade represents an excellent solution for countries like Iraq which have a large 9E.03 installed base and pressing needs to meet growing energy demand We are delighted to work with Taurus Energy on this essential project as reliable operations at strategic facilities are crucial to sustain economic development efforts across the country.” GE Vernova has supported the development of energy infrastructure in Iraq for 60 years and helped to build and service power plants and grid substations It has added more than 19 GW of power capacity since 2011 built and energized more than 30 substations since 2015 and mobilized over $3 billion in financing for energy projects since 2015 ** Incremental profitability due to additional output (the additional revenues which are needed to generate the additional MW) Financial Editors:  Please note this order was booked in the first quarter of 2025 (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health with approximately 75,000 employees across approximately 100 countries around the world GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable Follow GE Vernova in Middle East & Africa on their website and LinkedIn All rights reserved.GE and the GE Monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company used under trademark license GE Vernova | Vice President of Investor Relations Innovative partnership provides clear path for Duke Energy to procure up to 11 American-produced GE Vernova natural gas turbines Partnership ensures Duke Energy will meet its customers growing and evolving energy needs driven by economic development and AI growth (April 24,2025) – Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) and GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) announce a significant partnership for natural gas turbines and other associated equipment to meet the growing needs of advanced manufacturing The arrangement between the companies includes a plan to advance specific projects for up to 11 7HA gas turbines consistent with Duke Energy’s integrated resource plans This will help the company meet its business strategy to provide reliable energy and keep customer costs as low as possible as well as meeting even the most robust growth scenarios in the future This is in addition to the eight recently secured 7HA gas turbines “As we continue to experience unprecedented growth in our service territories, securing the necessary materials to build critical infrastructure and meet the energy demand is integral to delivering value for our customers and other stakeholders,” said Duke Energy President and CEO Harry Sideris “We value our collaboration with forward-thinking partners who assist us in advancing our energy modernization strategy.” The agreement is made possible because of the previously announced expansion of GE Vernova’s Greenville, S.C. facility to accommodate historic demand for gas turbines from new and existing customers which is part of a nearly $600 million investment in U.S manufacturing over the next two years includes a nearly $300 million investment in its Gas Power business in the U.S These investments will replace legacy manufacturing processes with lean manufacturing lines creating more than 1,500 new jobs in the country and other enhancements “This arrangement with Duke Energy and the significant expansion of our U.S. manufacturing facilities illustrate our ability and commitment to developing innovative solutions that our customers require to meet today and tomorrow’s energy demands,” said Scott Strazik “We are proud to be able to supply these Greenville SC manufactured gas turbines to a leading U.S energy company and service to its consumers,” Locating these new assets at Duke Energy facilities enables them to utilize existing infrastructure significantly reducing cost and speeding time to market a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte is one of America’s largest energy holding companies The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation GE Vernova’s Gas Power business engineers advanced efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future It is a global leader in gas turbines and power plant technologies and services with the industry’s largest installed base.  Keeping up with changes that support customers’ needs and increase employee satisfaction is an important part of building the future at GE Vernova Though working from different parts of the world these three team members — who appeared today at the New York Stock Exchange opening bell to celebrate Earth Day — share values and each one sets an example by bringing talent and enthusiasm to their work in building relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures Building Bridges for Inclusion: Julia Lima The third block of Goi Thermal Power Station powered by Japan’s first-ever 9HA.02 gas turbines achieved commercial operation at the Chiba Prefecture The plant adds over 2.3 gigawatts (GW) of power amounting to the equivalent needed to power 2.2 percent of Japan homes  (NYSE: GEV) today announced that the Japanese joint venture Goi United Generation (GIUG)’s Goi Thermal Power Station achieved the start of commercial operation in Chiba Prefecture The joint venture comprises Japan's largest power producer by capacity JERA ENEOS Power and regional utility Kyushu Electric Power. The plant powered by three GE Vernova 9HA.02 gas turbines is expected to deliver more than 2.3 Gigawatts (GW) to the grid to help provide reliable electricity and the stable supply of electricity in Japan GE Vernova delivered three GE Vernova Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs) with the Pressure Part Modules built in GE Vernova’s factory in Changwon South Korea and delivered each HRSG in only three prefabricated Supermodules assembled in Tongyeong and then transported across the ocean to Japan The HRSG plays an important part in a combined cycle power plant as it uses heat from the gas turbine exhaust to generate super-heated steam which powers a steam turbine to create up to 50% more energy without any additional fuel The installation of advanced GE Vernova HA equipment and Toshiba's steam turbines and generators renewed the power plant initially built in the 1960s and retired in 2018 enabling an estimated 16 percent reduction of CO2 emissions compared to the old facility “The commissioning of this plant marks the completion of the construction of one of the largest LNG-fired power plants in Japan with an output capacity amounting to the equivalent to the power needed by 2.2 percent of homes in Japan” said Mr “Providing safe and reliable electricity while contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions is crucial GE Vernova’s HA gas turbines are engineered to enable high output and efficiency and the new plant will help support Japan’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions per unit of fuel.” GE Vernova worked with Toshiba to integrate the currently largest HRSG Supermodules in the world at the Goi plant following a very complex Each Supermodule weighs approximately 2,500 metric tons and measures between 43 to 46 m in height almost as tall as The Arc de Triomphe in Paris or a 15-floor building Despite space limitations and logistical challenges GE Vernova and Toshiba jointly adapted to unique circumstances and successfully delivered these Supermodules and completed the Goi plant GE Vernova continues to support the advancement of the country's energy goals working alongside our long-term customers GIUG” said Ramesh Singaram President & CEO for GE Vernova’s Gas Power Asia GE Vernova has a longstanding cooperation with Toshiba over 100 years fostering numerous milestones together and the safe transport installation and commissioning of our 9HA.02 gas turbines and our HRSG Supermodules is a great example of that We’re proud that equipment of that size and tailored to withstand earthquakes was delivered to the Goi site safely—where it can play a crucial role supplying electricity for Japanese homes and businesses.” With an installed base of more than 7,000 gas turbines and 1,300 HRSGs worldwide and significant technical expertise GE Vernova delivers gas turbines and HRSG solutions that are custom engineered to help meet customers’ operating flexibility and performance requirements GE Vernova has contributed towards Japan’s stable power supply by providing power generation equipment including gas turbines GE Vernova equipment currently provides about half of Japan’s gas power capacity and supports the country’s growing renewable and nuclear energy needs Initiatives that GE Vernova is driving together with key players in Japan include the development of more efficient and advanced gas turbines and hydrogen combustion capable equipment and technology for ammonia combustion in collaboration with IHI For more information GE Vernova’s white paper: “Decarbonization pathways for Japan – challenges in the power sector from 2023-2050” A high-rise Central Bank Tower under construction in Baghdad A transborder road network that could be the next gateway between Asia and Europe cranes and backhoes are marking a new chapter in the country’s future: After a period of conflict and unrest Iraq is moving forward to reclaim its economic potential TM2500 Dry Low Emissions (DLE) delivers power anywhere whether on or off the grid without the need of water or diluents – ideal in remote areas or after natural disasters The new “power plant on wheels” provides additional power output in a smaller footprint and more efficiently TM2500 DLE is also more sustainable: it produces lower nitric oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions compared to the previous GE Vernova’s mobile solutions (NYSE: GEV) today announced its next generation of mobile aeroderivative gas turbines “power plants on wheels” delivering The new TM2500* Dry Low Emissions (DLE) is GE Vernova’s waterless mobile 34MW power plant that offers higher-efficiency performance The mobile power solutions trend is being driven by a variety of factors The global energy access gap worsens as population growth outpaces new connections: 76 million people are living without electricity access. The vast majority of that growth will happen in areas where the power grid is either very weak or does not exist at all Another major driver is the need for emergency power for utilities These industries rely on a stable power supply to grow and evolve highly mobile technology that can quickly bridge the power gap during blackouts energy shortages or even natural disasters “The development of a decentralized energy network also drives efficiency by reducing or eliminating energy losses from transmission and distribution thus delivering both economic and environmental benefits With this new solution we are committed to offering customers across the world greater fuel and operational flexibility, coupled with increased sustainability,” said Clive Nickolay CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power Aeroderivative business line. “The TM2500 DLE offers the same reliability of earlier models but it is the first to operate without water and without any aftertreatment in emissions and particulate matter (PM) emissions –compared to the previous mobile solutions and almost no methane slip The modular TM2500 DLE’s is more compact and easier to ship It is on a two-trailer frame that offers on-site flexibility and boasts a 30-day lead time from contract to commissioning the TM2500 DLE has a five-minute fast start cycle ideal for rapid response to sudden changes in power demand or grid stability The unit’s mobility and speedy start up cycle allow the unit to meet a variety of needs in multiple locations – well-suited to grid-firming or the sudden shifting demands of emergency and natural disaster response GE Vernova’s TM2500 DLE builds on the proven reliability of earlier generations of mobile gas turbines which have been proving their versatility and reliability for 140 million accumulated hours of operation to help operators to generate reliable power despite possible fuel supply challenges or fluctuating costs.  Three GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX* packages are expected to provide 150 megawatts of fast power at  City Utilities’ McCartney Generating Station built using proven LM6000* aeroderivative gas turbine technology, are dual-fuel capable (natural gas and diesel) and able to start quickly and achieve full power in less than five minutes Additional power expected to serve Springfield’s electric load to mitigate unexpected disruptions  (NYSE: GEV) today announced that it secured an order from the municipal utility of Springfield City Utilities Missouri (CU) for three units of its innovative LM6000VELOX* aeroderivative gas turbine packages aiming to expand electric generation capacity at CU’s 100 Megawatt (MW) McCartney Generating Station Increasing electricity demand, aging power generation units, and extreme weather events have led to increases in the amount of CU’s required for power generation capacity known as a Planning Reserve Margin (PRM). A PRM is the power capacity required beyond projected demand to ensure reliability during peak usage or unexpected outages CU will be required to maintain a PRM of 36% during winter months a significant increase from the current 15% This means CU must have 36% more power generation capacity than what is required to serve Springfield’s electric load to help mitigate unexpected disruptions The three GE Vernova aeroderivative units are expected to inject an additional 150 MW of reliable and flexible capacity with the new aeroderivative gas turbine packages to help ensure grid stability with high efficiency the aeroderivative gas turbines are expected to become CU’s most efficient generators with the capability to burn two types of fuel (natural gas with a fuel oil/diesel as a backup) in case of emergency events The plant is estimated to start operations in 2027 “This investment is another step in ensuring Springfield’s energy reliability for the future,” said Warren Brooks “We trust GE Vernova’s units will help us quickly meet demand during peak energy usage This project is aligned to our broader strategy to address future power supply needs through affordable GE Vernova’s LM6000VELOX packages are developed using proven LM6000* aeroderivative gas turbine technology which is well-known in the power generation industry for its quick start time and ramp-up to full power in as little as 5 minutes high cycle life helping to complement intermittent power from renewable sources The LM6000VELOX package was developed to reduce the installation and commissioning schedule of LM6000* aeroderivative gas turbines by up to 40% and save up to 4,000 labor hours “With increasing power generation demand driven by growing electrification needs and more renewables coming online every day, operators and municipalities, like City Utilities, need to ensure grid reliability with high efficiency, while delivering cheaper and faster power for their end users” said Dave Ross CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power Americas region “We are excited to work with City Utilities to contribute to the expansion of their McCartney Power Generation Station with our highly efficient LM6000 gas turbines are part of an installed base of nearly 1.200 units across approximately 60 countries In a Singular Annular Combustor (SAC) configuration these units have the capability to burn up to 100% hydrogen by volume thereby reducing CO2 emissions from power delivered by a gas turbine *Trademark of GE Vernova and/or its affiliates GE Vernova’s Saudi engineers and specialists lead the first gas turbine outage at SEC's 8th power plant in Riyadh  Complex task requires skilled personnel with extensive training and practical experience including special certifications and accreditation Strategic collaboration supports Vision 2030 and local talent development (NYSE: GEV) and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) have announced the successful completion of the first gas turbine outage entirely planned and executed by GE Vernova’s Saudi engineers and specialists This project at SEC's 8th power plant in Riyadh highlights both companies' commitment to fostering local talent and promoting localization within Saudi Arabia's energy sector This achievement comes just months after GE Vernova, in the presence of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, celebrated the successful rollout of the first H-class gas turbine unit completed at the GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam The 8th power plant in Riyadh is a strategic facility that plays a crucial role in addressing the growing electricity demands of the capital With a production capacity exceeding 1,700 megawatts it significantly enhances the stability of the electrical grid in Riyadh and its surrounding areas one of which is equipped with four of GE Vernova’s 7F gas turbines collectively capable of producing close to 500 megawatts The maintenance, led by GE Vernova’s Gas Power One Field Services team in collaboration with SEC’s teams was crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the power generation assets It required meticulous planning and execution demonstrating the culmination of a decade of comprehensive training and professional development for Saudi talent Male and female Saudi engineers and specialists at the 8th power plant prioritized rigorous safety protocols and successfully completed the project on schedule, supported by GE Vernova’s Live Outage platform This digital tool enhances field execution through standardized procedures streamlined tasks and safety best practices GE Vernova’s power plant outage services team brings extensive experience in optimizing power plant performance through expert maintenance This Saudi-led initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing plant efficiency and the long-term reliability of power units Head of Power Generation Operations in the Central Region “We are committed to providing reliable and stable power supply for the Kingdom GE Vernova’s Saudi-led outage at the 8th power plant marks a new era in the Saudi power sector underscoring our commitment to driving innovation and developing local talent Through our strategic collaboration with GE Vernova we aim to empower more Saudi engineers and specialists to assume advanced leadership and technical roles within the Kingdom’s robust energy ecosystem This collaboration will also contribute to local skills development initiatives supporting the achievement of Vision 2030 goals.” Hisham Al Bahkali “Our successful maintenance project at Riyadh’s 8th power plant showcases the Kingdom's local talent in driving a more sustainable energy future This achievement demonstrates Saudi engineers' capabilities in managing complex energy projects Our ongoing collaboration with SEC will further advance the Kingdom’s energy transformation and cultivate national competencies.” “This accomplishment caps a remarkable year for GE Vernova in Saudi Arabia notably the rollout of the first H-Class gas turbine at the GESAT facility This advanced turbine is set to power the Jafurah Cogeneration Independent Steam and Power Plant (ISPP) highlighting our commitment to supporting national strategies potentially reducing carbon emissions using pre- and post-combustion technologies GE Vernova has contributed to Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure Employing more than 850 people in Saudi Arabia GE Vernova’s investments include the GE Manufacturing and Technology Center (GEMTEC) campus in Dammam which features a Service and Repairs Center for gas turbines the GE MENA Decarbonization Center of Excellence With its spin-off from GE and commencement of independent trading on the NYSE on April 2 GE Vernova’s extensive technology base - including approximately 55,000 wind turbines and 7,000 gas turbines - plays a vital role in the energy transition in Saudi Arabia and around the world But operations ramped up last December when a 25-person crew from GE Vernova assembled at the site for an important planned maintenance project Thank you!We have emailed you a PDF version of the article you requested You can also addnewsletters@iflscience.comto your safe senders list to ensure you never miss a message from us IFLScience HomeGravity Response: What Deformed 400 Trees In Poland's Crooked Forest?Complete the form below to listen to the audio version of this article IFLScience needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out ourPrivacy Policy IFLScience HomeJoin for Exclusive FacebookemailJames is a published author with four pop-history and science books to his name. He specializes in history, strange science, and anything out of the ordinary. FacebookemailDOWNLOAD PDF VERSION Image credit: Kengi via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0) there is a forest containing an unusual mystery Around 400 trees – surrounded by trees growing normally – are bent 90 degrees at their base with the majority of them bending towards the North We know that the trees were planted some time in the 1930s before Gryfino was invaded and destroyed in World War II with residents abandoning the town and taking with them clues to what deformed these pines           A natural explanation is that the trees ended up in a horizontal position as saplings and this is how they developed their unusual shape.  “It looks, to me, like a classic gravity response,” Gary Coleman, an associate professor of plant science and landscape architecture at the University of Maryland, told the Washington Post “Whenever the stem is horizontal to gravity the plant has a mechanism through which it can reorient itself.” Coleman has seen such trees after storms while working in the US Forest Service more likely than natural explanations.  Traces of cuts and knots have reportedly been found on the trees suggesting that humans may have kept them close to the ground during the early years of their growth before allowing the gravity response to work its magic where the pines had been bent for use on curved furniture as naturally bent wood is stronger than straight wood that has been bent after being felled.  We may never know what the true explanation is, though the human-made bends seems likely. Meanwhile, there is a much bigger tree-bending mystery: No matter where they are on Earth, Cook pine trees lean toward the equator planet earth117-Million-Year-Old Sediment Waves Near Africa Show How the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean Was Bon29 minutes agolink to article animalsFemale Bonobos Can Elevate Their Status By Teaming Up To Gain Power Over Males1 hour agolink to article Biofluorescence vs Bioluminescencelink to article T. Rex Leather, Glow-In-The-Dark Gas Clouds, And Musical Sea Lionslink to article © 2025 IFLScience. All Rights Reserved. RSS Nov 8, 2024 | Business, Energy & Climate Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers We cannot do what we do without your support Poland’s largest gas-fired power station which will supply enough electricity to meet 5% of national demand which is Poland’s biggest power producer claims that the plant is “one of the most modern in Europe” The investment “will strengthen Poland’s energy security and ensure a stable energy supply for more than 3 million households,” Dariusz Marzec — PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna (@Grupa_PGE) October 29, 2024 which cost over 3.7 billion zloty (€856 million) to develop is located in the West Pomerania province in northwest Poland and consists of two gas-steam units Its nominal efficiency exceeds 63%, which PGE says makes it over 70% more efficient than old coal-fired units. Poland still relies on coal to produce almost two thirds of its electricity but has in recent years been moving towards lower-emission sources The new plant “has been designed to meet the most stringent emission limits,” claims PGE with emissions of dust and sulphur oxides reduced to almost zero Its emission rate is estimated at 330g carbon dioxide (CO2) per kWh of generated electricity which is almost three times lower than in coal-fired units The launch of the power station was welcomed by deputy climate minister Miłosz Motyka who said that it will “not only have a direct impact on the stability of the electricity system but is also another step in the transformation of our economy” “Gas investment is a very important part of the energy transition and the move towards climate neutrality,” added Robert Kropiwnicki “We are constantly expanding the RES [renewable energy] system,” said Kropiwnicki but renewables “need parallel stable energy sources working as a base and at the moment there is no more flexible capacity than gas capacity” Poland was forced to import energy from neighbouring Germany Sweden and Ukraine as a lack of wind led to a decline in energy production from wind turbines Renewables generated a record 26% of Poland’s electricity in 2023 However, coal continued to produce most of the country’s power, accounting for almost two thirds of the energy mix https://t.co/JQqfMkOK4I — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) January 3, 2024 Both Poland’s previous government, which left office in December 2023, and its current one have committed to a strategy to phase out coal and reduce emissions, in particular by developing renewable and nuclear power However, the country’s first nuclear plant is not scheduled to go online until 2035 at the earliest and gas is also seen as playing a vital role Its share of the energy mix is set to rise to between 15% and 31% by 2030 according to estimates published by the Polish Economic Institute Last year, PGE unveiled plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, ten years earlier than previously planned. However, it withdrew from that strategy less than a week later following complaints from coal miners Japan and Poland have signed an agreement on developing nuclear energy Poland, which is planning to build its first nuclear power stations, hopes the cooperation will allow it to draw on Japan’s experience to “build nuclear skills and competences” https://t.co/oIHQXfV1Yj — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) November 7, 2024 Main image credit: PGE (press materials) Agata Pyka is an assistant editor at Notes from Poland She is a journalist and a political communication student at the University of Amsterdam She specialises in Polish and European politics as well as investigative journalism and has previously written for Euractiv and The European Correspondent , , Karol Nawrocki even suggested that the state security services were involved in creating the scandal , , The 1,200 square metre national symbol was unfurled on the beach in Międzyzdroje , , The proportion of Poles saying the US has a positive influence on the world has also fallen to its lowest recorded level Apr 30, 2025 | , , , That response will include “large Polish and NATO exercises in Poland” Apr 29, 2025 | , , , Those employed in Poland work on average the third-longest hours in the European Union Apr 28, 2025 | , , , , Westinghouse and Bechtel were first chosen in 2022 as partners on the 192 billion zloty ($51 billion) project please consider helping us to continue and expand it [email protected] Copyright © 2025 Notes From Poland | Design jurko studio | Code by 2sides.pl Senior Research Fellow at the Global Europe Centre ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Weronika Strzyżyńska is currently studying journalism at Goldsmiths as a Scott Trust Bursary recipient She  has written on issues immigration and Brexit for New Statesman and Prospect Agnieszka Wądołowska is managing editor of Notes from Poland She has previously worked for Gazeta.pl and Tokfm.pl and contributed to Gazeta Wyborcza ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Daniel Tilles is editor-in-chief of Notes from Poland and assistant professor of history at the Pedagogical University of Krakow He has written on Polish affairs for a wide range of publications The Independent and Dziennik Gazeta Prawna ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Stanley Bill is the founder and editor-at-large of Notes from Poland.He is also Senior Lecturer in Polish Studies and Director of the Polish Studies Programme at the University of Cambridge Stanley has spent more than ten years living in Poland He founded Notes from Poland in 2014 as a blog dedicated to personal impressions cultural analysis and political commentary He is committed to the promotion of deeper knowledge and understanding of Poland He is the Chair of the Board of the Notes from Poland Foundation ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Professor of European Studies at Oxford University ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Professor at the Institute of History of the Jagiellonian University ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Executive Director of Taube Family Foundation ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Associate Professor at the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Science ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience Polish utility PGE Group has launched a tender for the design and construction of a battery storage facility with a minimum capacity of at least 900 MWh Ukraine’s DTEK has completed the acqusition of a 532 MWh battery storage project in southern Poland From ESS News Polish state-owned energy company PGE Group announced a tender for the construction of a battery energy storage facility in Żarnowiec which is likely to become the nation’s largest once completed The facility will have a power output of 263 MW and a storage capacity of at least 900 MWh It will be located in the vicinity of the Żarnowiec Pumped Storage Power Plant president of the management board of PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna referred to the project as one of the largest battery energy storage facilities in Europe given the pace of the energy transformation process the management of surplus energy from renewable sources will be one of the main challenges facing the national power system we meet these needs and consistently implement investments in the area of ​​energy storage,” he said By 2030, the company aims to have at least 800 MW of new energy storage capacity. In January, PGE Group announced that it had obtained connection conditions for a battery storage facility with a capacity of 400 MW in Gryfino To continue reading, please visit our ESS News website More articles from Marija Maisch Please be mindful of our community standards and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. View our privacy policy. × The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this Close Nature and environment news and inspiration for people who love to get outside Untangle the thorny process of cottage succession with expert advice from lawyer In a small stretch of forest in near Gryfino And though people have suggested a thicket of theories over the years no one’s quite sure what caused the curvature of their curious trunks Dubbed the “Crooked Forest,” each of these 400 pines has a 90-degree northward bend in its base which are estimated to have been planted in the 1930s are surrounded by a regular forest of perfectly straight pines One theory suggests that rolling tanks distorted the young trunks during the invasion of Poland in World War II A more plausible theory attributes the J-shaped trunks to heavy snowfall that lingered into the saplings’ spring growth spurts But then why would the curvature show up only in such a tight grouping of trees Perhaps the simplest theory is the correct one: humans in need of curved construction materials may have intentionally bent the trees This would explain the consistency of the curves and also why they’re surrounded by straight trunks one thing’s for certain: these lovely photos by Kilian Schönberger perfectly capture the curious case of Poland’s curved pines Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker A veil of mystery surrounds a piece of protected pine forest not very far from the Polish town of Gryfino in the northwest of the country and very close to the German border it takes just a few hours to reach this forest where the spectator can be dazzled by the sight of some 400 mysterious pines surreal in their shape and all directed toward the north The strange trees of Crooked Forest were planted in the late 1920s or early 1930s and it is one of the weirdest natural landmarks to be seen on the planet This aspect plays a role in some of the theories remains a much-discussed topic of speculation these 400 trees are bent at 90 degrees just above their base reminding also of the letter “c”  with the curve they take and postulations that attempt to provide an answer to what was really done to these trees yet there seems to be no solid proof to back any of it Different parties would agree that these trees underwent damage some seven to ten years after they were planted One theory suggests that the pines were damaged during the war by passing tanks literally bending the young trees to the ground they took on the curved shape that can be seen today A similar theory proposes that instead of tanks some believe heavy snow weighed down on the trees when once again they began to grow upwards towards the sky Some experts have contemplated on whether the pines forming the Crooked Forest are a case of some sort of genetic mutation Some theories have been published in the New York Times by Dr a plant scientist from the University of Manitoba Remphrey has discovered and observed a number of Canadian aspen trees where a genetic mutation caused the trunks to curve and hang downwards during development giving an entirely strange look to the tree genetic mutation shouldn’t be the reason for the crooked trees in Poland any other conclusion which says it was humans who caused these trees to obtain the strange form should be also taken with caution Remphrey does not exclude the possibility that the Crooked Forest was helped along by humans But he believes it was more likely “something environmental” that caused the deformity On the question of why all trees are pointed towards the north the professor remarks that perhaps it was coincidental Other theories proposed are not very believable But since there are a vast number of normal-looking trees around the crooked ones One of the far-fetched ones is that the trees have gained their extraordinary formation due to a gravitational anomaly–that the gravity is too strong in this specific area in which some parties reason that extraterrestrials are to blame for the Crooked Forest A way more acceptable explanation may be that the strange woodland was handled by local foresters who have somehow purposely caused the deformity on all crooked pines in the early years of their growth They would have used the wood later as a resource as the north of Poland is historically renowned for its shipyards by the coastline the curved pine trunks would have perhaps been handy for constructing some vessels Related story from us: The massive forest swastika that remained unnoticed until 1992 then their idea would remain unrealized with the onset of World War Two as the nearby towns and villages were battered by the Nazi army scarcely anyone was left to share the truth about how the Crooked Forest was created leaving the world delighted by its strangeness Nikola Simonovski is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News Join 1000s of subscribers and receive the best Vintage News in your mailbox for FREE