ORLEN Group and Klaipėdos Nafta AB to join forces in offshore wind energy projects
The ORLEN Group’s ORLEN Neptun I and Energa Wytwarzanie have signed a letter of intent to cooperate with Klaipėdos Nafta AB, a Lithuanian operator of oil and LNG terminals. The partnership will involve preparation and implementation of a strategy for the operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms in Lithuania. This is an important step considering the ORLEN Group’s plans to engage in offshore wind energy projects in the Baltic states.
The combined potential of offshore wind farms in the Lithuanian part of the Baltic Sea is estimated at around 3.3 GW. In the phase planned for 2023, Lithuania is going to hold at least one auction for a 700 MW project. According to information published by Lithuanian sources, this volume could be still significantly increased in 2023. In line with its carbon-neutral energy strategy, the ORLEN Group intends to take part in all of the announced auctions. The agreement with Klaipėdos Nafta AB will enable development of a strategy for maintenance of those projects during their entire life cycle, spanning about 25 years. The agreement also envisages the possibility of further cooperation on other projects.
- The Baltic states’ offshore wind energy potential is estimated at approximately 26 GW. We perceive this as a great opportunity for the ORLEN Group growth and energy transition of the entire region. Renewables, especially wind energy projects, play an important part in reducing Central and Eastern Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels. Through regional cooperation, we want to make the most of our experience in this area, consistently implementing the ORLEN2030 strategy - said Daniel Obajtek, President of the Management Board of PKN ORLEN.
- We are consistently expanding the group of companies we work with on green energy projects. As the world’s energy sector changes, we are making every effort to find new opportunities to use our existing infrastructure and to embark on alternative projects. We are also exploring new development opportunities in wind power generation. We are absolutely positive that wind farms in the Baltic can be a promising source of clean energy, and that the chance to work with foreign companies will foster development of this key area in the energy transition of Central Europe - said Rytis Valūnas, acting CEO of Klaipėdos Nafta AB.
- We believe that joining forces and sharing our experience and knowledge with Klaipėdos Nafta AB will contribute to an effective and sustainable development of offshore wind farms in Lithuania. It is also a cornerstone in building energy security for our region - said Anna Łukaszewska-Trzeciakowska, President of the Management Board of ORLEN Neptun I.
For the ORLEN Group, offshore wind energy is among the key areas of the ORLEN2030 strategy, which provides for capital expenditure of PLN 47 billion to be spent on advanced low- and zero-carbon generation assets. The ORLEN Group’s new offshore wind power projects are being carried out by ORLEN Neptun I. The Group, together with Canada’s Northland Power, is also preparing to implement Baltic Power, an offshore wind farm project with a capacity of up to 1.2 GW in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea .