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Polish fuel refiner, US giant team up for offshore power

26.08.2021 11:45
Poland's state-owned fuel refiner PKN Orlen says it has started a strategic partnership with US giant General Electric to build wind farms in the Baltic Sea.
Daniel Obajtek
Daniel ObajtekPAP/Wojciech Olkuśnik

With the help of GE's subsidiary GE Renewable Energy, one of the world's biggest manufacturers of turbines for offshore wind farms, PKN Orlen will seek to expand its sea-based business, CEO Daniel Obajtek said on Wednesday.

In addition to an ongoing project to develop a 1.2 GW facility, PKN Orlen plans to apply for further permits so that its wind farms in the Baltic Sea total 5.9 GW by 2030 and 9-11 GW by 2040, the company said in a statement.

The plan is part of a strategy to become emissions neutral by mid-century, PKN Orlen added.

Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin hailed the partnership with GE Renewable Energy, saying it would bring foreign expertise, new technology, attractive new jobs as well as "cheap and clean power," making the country stronger and more energy secure.

"It's a historical moment that will reshape Poland for decades, maybe even centuries," Sasin said.

PKN Orlen's Obajtek told reporters: "We are building a better future in the new, low- and zero-emission energy sector."

He noted that General Electric already has a presence in Poland and is working to expand its business in the country.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAPorlen.pl