In a bold move to tackle climate change, Polish energy giant ORLEN and Norwegian powerhouse Equinor have joined forces to explore cutting-edge carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This partnership could redefine Poland’s energy landscape, paving the way for a greener future while creating new business opportunities and jobs.
A Game-Changing Partnership
The collaboration between ORLEN and Equinor is more than just a handshake—it’s a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating Poland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The agreement focuses on identifying and developing CO2 storage sites, both on land and in the Baltic Sea. By leveraging Equinor’s decades of expertise in CCS and ORLEN’s local market knowledge, the duo aims to unlock Poland’s potential as a hub for carbon storage.
“This partnership is a major step forward in our decarbonization journey,” said Wiesław Prugar, Member of the ORLEN Management Board. “Together with Equinor, we’re not just building a new business area—we’re creating an ecosystem that will drive innovation, create jobs, and position Poland as a leader in the energy transition.”
The Road to Net Zero
ORLEN has set an ambitious target: capturing, transporting, and storing 4 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2035. While a significant portion of this capacity will support ORLEN’s own petrochemical and refining operations, the company also plans to offer CCS services to other industries. This dual approach could make ORLEN a key player in Poland’s decarbonization efforts while opening up new revenue streams.
Equinor, a pioneer in CCS since its groundbreaking Sleipner project in 1996, brings a wealth of experience to the table. The company is already involved in several high-profile CCS initiatives, including the Northern Lights project, which offers cross-border CO2 storage services. With its extensive portfolio of storage licenses across Europe and the U.S., Equinor is well-positioned to help ORLEN navigate the complexities of CCS deployment.
A Catalyst for Green Growth
This partnership isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about creating a ripple effect across the economy. By developing CCS infrastructure, ORLEN and Equinor aim to foster a thriving ecosystem of businesses focused on sustainability. From engineering firms to logistics providers, the initiative could generate thousands of jobs and position Poland as a leader in green technology.
“This agreement is a natural extension of our long-standing energy partnership with ORLEN,” said Irene Rummelhoff, EVP at Equinor. “Together, we’re combining our strengths to deliver energy security and low-carbon solutions. We’re excited to explore the potential of CCS in Poland and contribute to a sustainable future.”
As the world races to meet climate goals, collaborations like this one could be the key to unlocking a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
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ORLEN and Equinor are teaming up to revolutionize carbon capture and storage in Poland. This groundbreaking partnership could slash emissions, create jobs, and position Poland as a leader in the global energy transition.