PKN ORLEN as Poland’s first importer of ‘green gas’
PKN ORLEN is the first company in Poland to import certified biomethane, a renewable substitute for natural gas, as part of a pilot project. This is yet another initiative under the ORLEN2030 strategy that brings the Group closer to achieving carbon neutrality and supports Poland’s energy transition.
Biomethane has quality parameters which are similar to those of natural gas, but it is produced from organic waste. For this reason, its consumption reduces the use of other fossil fuels. Biomethane may serve as fuel for the production of biohydrogen and has applications in transport.
- We have a strong focus on new prospective areas and are consistently building an efficient renewable energy system. In line with our strategy, it will be based, among other things, on developing the biomethane sector. We see and plan to fully exploit biomethane’s considerable potential. To this end, we have imported certified biomethane on a pilot basis and we are consistently running projects that should allow us to produce it in the near future. Our efforts form part of the energy transition process and fit in with our intention of shifting to low- and zero-carbon fuels - said Daniel Obajtek, President of the Management Board of PKN ORLEN.
The measures taken by the ORLEN Group are designed to increase the consumption of biogas and biomethane in Poland, thereby enhancing the country’s energy security and reducing dependence on imports of energy commodities. The imported biomethane was purchased from RWE Supply & Trading and will be used for PKN ORLEN’s needs.
The ORLEN Group’s biomethane capabilities are also being built through ORLEN Południe. The company has already acquired three agricultural biogas plants that will convert agricultural substrates, waste and processing industry residues into environmentally friendly biomethane, which may find application in industry or in the energy sector. Concurrently, ORLEN Południe and PGNiG have applied to the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection for clearance to establish a special purpose vehicle that will invest in developing a network of modern biomethane plants.
PKN ORLEN has also signed an agreement for the development of the biogas and biomethane sector with the Ministry of Climate and Environment, a Government Representative for Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of State Assets, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Development and Technology, as well as representatives of investors, trade organisations, scientific institutions, etc.