Distribution with high margins
It is not only the wind segment that is responsible for Polenergia’s higher results in the first quarter of 2024. The Group also recorded higher adjusted EBITDA in the distribution segment.
Compared to the first three months of last year, the result is higher by PLN 15.6 million, which is a consequence of the high unit margin on energy sales in the first quarter of this year. This, in turn, is due to a lower energy purchase price, with sales prices remaining at a similar level until the fourth quarter of 2023, and a higher margin on energy distribution.
Sales compensated by wind farms and distribution
Revenue from sales excluding the trading segment in the first quarter of 2024 amounted to PLN 350.3 million and was 34% higher than revenue excluding the trading segment in the first quarter of 2023.
In total, sales revenue for the first quarter of 2024 amounted to PLN 1,191.2 million, down by PLN 275.7 million compared with revenue for the first quarter of last year, which was mainly due to lower revenue in trading and sales (by PLN 364.8 million), offset in part by higher revenue in the onshore wind farms segment (by PLN 78.6 million) and in distribution (by PLN 11.3 million).
Non-financial reporting two years ahead of schedule
Polenergia also published its Consolidated Sustainability Report in the first quarter of 2024. The report was published much earlier than required by EU regulations – the 2023 document is based on the latest ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) reporting guidelines, which, together with the EU CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), will only apply to Polenergia from 2025.
Polenergia’s ESG report was based on a so-called double materiality test and was also audited, receiving a positive assessment of compliance with the ESRS and the Taxonomy, a new EU law that classifies business activities based on sustainability. The Group had already been preparing for the new sustainability reporting obligations since 2021. From 2022 onwards, Polenergia has been reporting on its compliance with the Taxonomy.