PKN ORLEN to take part in an EU energy research project
05-05-2017   

Always active in enhancing its research and development potential, PKN ORLEN is now going to implement a project funded under the Horizon 2020 EU framework programme. The funding will enable the Company to take part in a project aimed at field testing of innovative solutions within existing high-efficiency cogeneration infrastructure.

Our project partners will include the University of Genoa, NV Mayekawa Europe, Limmat Scientific, Clauger, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Europe, KTH Royal Institute of Technology of Stockholm, IREN, D’Appolonia, SIEMENS Industry Software SAS, Novener, Aristotele University, Alfa Laval Lund, and Ansaldo Energia. In line with the project schedule, at its next stage the partner companies are to sign an agreement and then commence the implementation.

“Participation in the project will enable PKN ORLEN to further enhance its R&D capabilities in partnership with Europe’s leaders in the area, and to improve its access to new knowledge and state-of-the-art technologies. At the same time, we are cementing PKN ORLEN’s reputation in Europe as an innovation-driven company,” said Piotr Chełmiński, Member of the PKN ORLEN Management Board for Development and Power Generation.

The project will be concerned with determining a potential increase in the CCGT operating flexibility through installation of high-temperature heat pumps. Seeking to fully harness the flexibility and expand the operating range of CCGTs, the project will involve test implementation of an innovative concept to integrate a high-efficiency heat pump with advanced controls serving as smart planning tools.

CCGT units are a key element of PKN ORLEN’s power generation strategy. Apart from generating process steam and power, they will also be used to stabilise the system, which is necessary given the increasing share of uncontrollable renewable energy sources in the mix. The project, in which PKN ORLEN is an equal partner, is thus perfectly in line with Poland’s energy mix diversification strategy, which promotes such high-efficiency solutions.

As a consortium member, PKN ORLEN will have certain tasks, including contribution to an analysis of the impact of a high-efficiency heat pump as installed in a CCGT unit owned by the Company.

Horizon 2020 is the European Union’s largest ever research and innovation funding programme, aimed at establishing a consistent funding system that would span the entire innovation cycle, from a scientific concept, to research, to launch of new solutions, products or technologies. Its 2014-2020 budget is close to EUR 80bn.

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