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) opportunities in Poland. This partnership could redefine the future of energy in Central Europe, blending innovation with sustainability to create a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

A Game-Changing Partnership for Poland’s Green Future

ORLEN, Poland’s multi-utility leader, and Equinor, Norway’s state-owned energy innovator, have signed a groundbreaking agreement to develop CCS technology in Poland. The collaboration will focus on identifying and evaluating potential CO2 storage sites, both on land and in the Polish section of the Baltic Sea. This initiative is a critical step in ORLEN’s ambitious strategy to achieve an annual carbon capture, transport, and storage capacity of 4 million tonnes by 2035.

Wiesław Prugar, Member of the ORLEN Management Board, Upstream, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration with Equinor is a major milestone for ORLEN. Together, we’re building a new business area that will not only boost our decarbonization efforts but also create a thriving ecosystem of innovation, jobs, and value.”

Equinor’s Legacy of Carbon Innovation

Equinor is no stranger to CCS technology. The company has been a pioneer in the field since 1996, when it began storing CO2 in the offshore Sleipner field. Today, Equinor is involved in several high-profile CCS projects across Europe and the U.S., including the Northern Lights initiative—the first cross-border CCS project offering CO2 storage as a service.

With a proven track record and a portfolio of storage licenses spanning the Norwegian Continental Shelf, Denmark, the UK, and the U.S., Equinor brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Irene Rummelhoff, EVP Marketing, Midstream, and Processing at Equinor, highlighted the synergy between the two companies: “This agreement strengthens our partnership with ORLEN. Together, we’re committed to advancing energy security and low-carbon solutions while unlocking new opportunities for renewable energy development.”

The Road Ahead: A Catalyst for Change

The next phase of the partnership involves assessing the feasibility of joint CCS projects based on the identified storage locations. If successful, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for other nations looking to decarbonize their energy sectors.

ORLEN’s vision extends beyond its own operations. A portion of the captured CO2 will be allocated to the company’s petrochemical and refining assets, while the remainder will be offered as a service to other industries. This dual approach not only accelerates ORLEN’s journey to net zero but also positions the company as a leader in the global energy transition.

As the world races to meet climate targets, partnerships like this one between ORLEN and Equinor are a beacon of hope. By combining resources, expertise, and vision, these two energy giants are paving the way for a sustainable future—one carbon capture at a time.