ORLEN Lietuva, a subsidiary of ORLEN S.A., is
completing the construction of its first renewable energy power plant, directly
connected to the Mažeikiai refinery. With an installed capacity of 42.2 MW and
a projected annual output of approximately 45 GWh, this investment marks a
significant milestone in the company’s shift towards sustainable energy and
reduced carbon emissions.
The
photovoltaic (PV) park is located within the refinery site and is divided into
four main sections. Spanning an area of 600,000 square meters, it will feature
approximately 68,000 bifacial solar modules, each with a capacity of 620 Wp.
These advanced panels are capable of absorbing sunlight from both sides,
boosting efficiency—especially in low-light conditions. Compared to traditional
monofacial modules, they can generate up to 30% more electricity.
Most of the
modules have already been installed, and the project has entered its final
implementation phase. Ongoing work includes land preparation, grid integration,
and the installation of electrical infrastructure.
“This is a
landmark project for ORLEN Lietuva. For the first time, we will start to
generate renewable energy on-site to support the operations of one of the most
energy-intensive industrial facilities in the region. In addition to our
strategic objective of reducing emissions, this is also about strengthening our
energy independence and resilience in a changing energy landscape,” says
Zbigniew Paszkowicz, CEO of ORLEN Lietuva.
All
electricity generated will be used directly within the Mažeikiai refinery. As
one of the largest industrial energy consumers in the Baltic States, the
refinery will benefit from a lower environmental footprint and reduced exposure
to energy market volatility.
The
facility will include advanced energy management systems and will be integrated
with a modern medium-voltage switchgear. These systems are designed to ensure
efficient energy distribution, operational reliability, and safe performance in
an industrial setting.
“This
project is a clear example of the ORLEN Group’s sustainability strategy in
action. ORLEN Lietuva is playing an active role in Lithuania’s green transition
towards a low-emission industry,” adds Z. Paszkowicz.
The total
investment in the project amounts to approximately EUR 36 million, and the
solar power plant is expected to be fully operational from the beginning of
2026.
The goal of
this project is to cut GHG emissions and contribute to the pursuit of climate
neutrality. The project is financed by EU Modernisation Fund with 2’500’000.00
EUR allocated under initiative ‘Deployment of Energy-Efficient Technologies in
Industries Participating in the EU Emissions Trading System’ of Development
Program 2022–2030 measure No 05-001-01-04-02. Financing agreement was
signed on 18 April 2023.
ORLEN
Lietuva has been the largest taxpayer in the country for several years and is a
very important part of the Lithuanian economy. Since 2006, for the acquisition
and modernization of the refinery in Mažeikiai, ORLEN has invested almost 4.5
billion euros. In addition, ORLEN Lietuva operates the crucial Būtingė terminal
in Lithuania, the main port for feedstock supplies, and the Mockava railway
terminal, an important transshipment station for the smooth export of products.
ORLEN Group
is an integrated, diversified energy group, included in the prestigious Fortune
Global 500 and Platts TOP250 lists. It was the first group in the region to
announce its ambition to achieve climate neutrality targets in 2050. ORLEN
Group today operates in more than 10 markets.
ORLEN Lietuva inf.
