ORLEN: Driving EU Carbon Reduction with Climate Technology
ORLEN, a Central European energy company, is accelerating its adoption of advanced climate technologies to support its ambitious carbon reduction goals.
As part of its strategy, the company plans to establish 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points by 2030, positioning itself as a key player in e-mobility across the region.
Focus on carbon-neutral energy systems
At the heart of ORLEN’s strategy is a commitment to lowering carbon emissions
A prime example of this is the development of Baltic Power, Poland’s first offshore wind farm.
Partnering with Canada’s Northland Power, ORLEN has reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to move forward with the project.
Set for completion in 2026, Baltic Power will generate nearly 1.2GW of renewable energy, enough to supply approximately 1.5 million households.
Beyond wind energy, ORLEN has detailed several carbon-focused goals:
- Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050
- Cutting emissions from refining, petrochemical and upstream segments by 25% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels
- Reducing carbon intensity in its energy segment by 40% by 2030
- Lowering the carbon intensity of all energy sold by 15% by 2030.
These initiatives represent significant steps toward decarbonisation and align with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive II, which prioritises renewable and low-carbon energy solutions.
Hydrogen and biofuels: Key to decarbonising transport
A key pillar of ORLEN’s approach to reducing emissions lies in its commitment to alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen.
By 2030, ORLEN aims to lead hydrogen mobility in Central Europe, with plans to produce 19,000 tonnes of automotive-grade hydrogen annually.
To make hydrogen more accessible, the company is expanding its refuelling network to include 100 hydrogen stations in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Hydrogen technology, especially suited to long-distance and rail transport, complements ORLEN’s broader goals for decarbonisation.
Alongside this, the company is investing heavily in biofuels production, targeting one million tonnes annually by 2030.
These include hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), co-HVO, used cooking oil methyl esters (UCOME) and lignocellulosic bioethanol.
These innovations are critical for reducing the carbon footprint of transport fuels and advancing ORLEN’s position as a regional leader in alternative energy.
Daniel Obajtek, President of the PKN ORLEN Management Board, says: “The UCO FAME plant will increase the supply of alternative second-generation biocomponents, with a benefit to the natural environment.
“This innovative solution will allow us to expand our portfolio by adding another environmentally friendly product and ORLEN Południe to continue developing advanced know-how in biotechnology.
“Importantly, the project is also in line with the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive II, which promotes the processing and reuse of waste products.”
Circular economy solutions
ORLEN is also integrating circular economy principles into its operations, aiming to recycle up to 400,000 tonnes of waste annually by 2030 – enabling the production of new petrochemical products while significantly reducing waste.
The company’s Blue Bridge project, designed to minimise water usage from the Vistula River by 25%, reflects ORLEN’s broader resource-efficiency goals.
Similarly, investments in waste treatment facilities will handle hazardous medical and veterinary waste responsibly, further lowering the environmental impact of its operations.
Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) initiatives also feature prominently in ORLEN’s strategy, ensuring the responsibility for products’ lifecycle remains with the producer, enabling efficient recycling and reducing overall waste.
By using digital tools, the company strengthens its ability to meet carbon reduction targets.
Daniel adds: “We are committed to developing our business in a sustainable way, recognising the growing importance of latest technologies in building competitive advantage.”
By prioritising innovation in renewable energy, hydrogen fuel and waste reduction, ORLEN positions itself as a leader in Central Europe’s energy transition.
Through these efforts, the company not only aims to meet stringent carbon reduction targets but also to create long-term value for its stakeholders.
Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at ClimateTech Digital and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today. Subscribe to the ClimateTech Digital newsletter.
ClimateTech Digital is a BizClik brand