Cisco Fuels Poland's Green Shift with Major Solar Power Deal

BOSTON, MA – January 29, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster Europe's renewable energy capacity, technology leader Cisco Systems, Inc. has finalized a 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) to support the development of four new solar projects in Poland. The deal, which directly injects 470 GWh of clean energy into one of Europe's most carbon-intensive grids, underscores the growing power of corporate investment to drive the global energy transition.

The agreement was brokered with R.Power S.A., a leading Polish solar developer, and facilitated by Sustainability Roundtable, Inc.'s (SR Inc) innovative Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB). This collaboration marks a critical milestone in Poland's efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce its historical dependence on coal.

A Strategic Push into a Carbon-Intensive Grid

Cisco's investment arrives at a pivotal moment for Poland. The country, which has long been the European Union's most coal-dependent nation with the fossil fuel accounting for over 60% of its electricity in recent years, is under increasing pressure to decarbonize. Aligned with the EU's ambitious 'Fit for 55' climate package and its own national energy strategy, Poland aims to significantly increase its share of renewable energy by 2030.

The 470 GWh of contracted volume from this VPPA represents a substantial contribution to these goals. The four new solar facilities—located in Wydartowo, Bieżyce, Ostrzeniewo III, and Nowy Zagór III—are what the industry terms 'purchaser-caused' renewable capacity. This means Cisco's long-term financial commitment was the direct catalyst for the projects' development, ensuring new, additional green energy is added to the grid rather than just re-allocating existing resources.

Targeting a Commercial Operation Date (COD) in 2027, the projects will provide a steady flow of clean electricity, helping to displace fossil fuel generation and accelerate Poland’s progress toward a more secure and sustainable energy system.

"Cisco's leadership reflects the growing role of global enterprises in catalyzing regional renewable energy development," said Jim Boyle, CEO of SR Inc. "This agreement showcases how corporate buyers can drive impact through diversified, high-quality clean-energy investments."

Corporate Climate Goals Meet Business Strategy

This landmark agreement is a cornerstone of Cisco's comprehensive global sustainability strategy. The company has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040, a target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Procuring new renewable energy through VPPAs is a key pillar of this strategy, allowing the company to address its operational energy footprint while actively contributing to grid decarbonization.

Beyond its global climate commitments, the deal provides direct business value. Cisco's Renewable Energy & Utilities Manager, Evan Scott Brown, highlighted the project's dual benefits.

"We are proud to support the growth of renewable energy in Europe through this partnership," said Evan Scott Brown. "This agreement not only aligns with Cisco's commitment to powering a more resilient energy future, but also directly supports operational needs, including the expansion of our lab facilities in Krakow. This collaboration is a powerful example of how partnership can increase clean energy access while providing business value."

The connection to its Krakow operations demonstrates a sophisticated approach where corporate sustainability initiatives are deeply integrated with regional business growth and operational resilience.

The Power of Aggregated Procurement Models

The complexity and scale of the agreement were managed through SR Inc.'s Net Zero Consortium for Buyers (NZCB). This aggregated procurement model is becoming an increasingly vital tool for corporations seeking to navigate the intricate world of renewable energy deals. By bringing multiple buyers together or providing expert guidance, consortiums like NZCB democratize access to large-scale projects, reduce transactional friction, and mitigate risk for individual companies.

The model's success is evident in the collaboration's structure, which also involved legal support from DLA Piper and an initial Request for Proposal (RFP) facilitated by LevelTen Energy. This multi-party approach allows corporations to leverage specialized expertise and market platforms to secure favorable and impactful deals that might otherwise be out of reach.

For companies aiming to achieve ambitious decarbonization targets, these consortiums provide a streamlined and effective path to procuring utility-scale clean energy, a trend that is accelerating across North America, Europe, and India.

Fueling Poland's Solar Surge

At the heart of the deal is R.Power S.A., a Warsaw-headquartered Independent Power Producer (IPP) that has established itself as a dominant force in Central Europe's renewable energy sector. With a rapidly expanding portfolio of over 30 GW in solar, battery storage, and wind projects across the continent, R.Power is a key driver of the region's energy transition.

"Partnering with Cisco reinforces R.Power's position as a leading multi-technology renewable energy producer in Central Europe," stated Rafał Hajduk, Chief Commercial Officer at R.Power S.A. "Cisco's long-term commitment directly enables new solar capacity in Poland and supports the wider adoption of clean energy underway across the region."

The partnership not only secures financing for the four new solar farms but also enhances Poland's reputation as an attractive market for clean energy investment. The country has seen a surge in corporate PPAs, becoming Europe's second-largest market for such agreements in 2024. This growth is supported by an evolving regulatory framework, including recent amendments to Poland's RES Act and Energy Law designed to streamline project development and facilitate direct energy sales.

As these projects move toward their 2027 operational date, they are expected to deliver tangible economic and environmental benefits, from creating local jobs during construction to providing a long-term source of clean power that strengthens Poland's energy independence and contributes to a healthier environment for its communities.