Orlen’s new investments will be worth billions of zlotys. We are talking about an energy breakthrough
Orlen, one of the largest energy companies in Central Europe, announced an ambitious plan to build two new combined cycle gas and steam power plants (CCGT) in Gdańsk and Grudziądz.
The projects are intended to be part of the energy transformation process, although according to critics, they are more of a transitional step than a final solution.
The total investment cost is approximately PLN 6 billion. According to Orlen’s president, Ireneusz Fąfara, the project in Gdańsk is currently at the advanced analysis stage, while in Grudziądz an application for a building permit has already been submitted.
Grudzidz: expansion of energy potential
Grudziądz, where Orlen is already building a gas and steam unit with a capacity of 575 MW, is becoming a key point on the map of the Polish energy industry. The project, which is to be completed in 2026, has been extended to include a new unit – Grudziądz 2. As part of the implementation, a replacement construction design was prepared and applications for building permits and an increase in network connection capacity were submitted.
“We are convinced that Poland needs new generation capacity,” Fąfara emphasized in an interview with PAP.
Gdańsk: challenges on the capacity market
In the case of the Gdańsk project, Orlen is conducting advanced analytical work. Although it was submitted to the capacity market auction in 2024, the power plant did not receive a contract. Market preferences turned towards energy storage, but this did not discourage the company.
“We are carrying out design and preparatory work that will allow us to implement the investment,” Fąfara noted.
The project is part of Orlen’s strategic investment flexibility, which allows it to respond to changing market and regulatory conditions.
Energy transformation: gas as a key element?
Orlen indicates gas as the foundation of energy security in the period of energy transformation. The plan assumes that new gas power plants will fill the gap left by coal-fired units that are gradually being withdrawn from operation.
However, observers point out that replacing coal with gas is not a sufficient step towards a full energy transformation. The aim of this process should be to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy and, alternatively, nuclear energy. The construction of gas power plants based on the combustion process does not eliminate the problem of CO2 emissions.
PLN 16 billion for investments
It is worth emphasizing that Orlen’s total investments in energy projects, including those in Grudziądz and Ostrołęka, will amount to over PLN 16 billion. Grudziądz 1 and Ostrołęka will be put into operation as early as 2026, and further investments, such as Siekierki, will be completed by 2030.
Gas import and production
Orlen’s strategy includes not only the development of gas production in Poland and abroad, but also increasing imports and securing gas supplies to Poland. According to estimates, in 2035 the national demand for gas will amount to 27 billion cubic meters per year.
Context and challenges of the energy market
Poland faces many challenges in the field of energy. The phase-out of coal, the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and the need to ensure stable energy supplies make investments in gas strategically important.
Experts emphasize that the development of CCGT gas power plants allows for achieving higher energy efficiency with a reduced carbon footprint. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), CCGT units emit 50% less CO2 than conventional coal-fired power plants.
