ORLEN studies renewable ammonia for clean fertiliser and fuel

Polish energy and petrochemicals company ORLEN has launched a comprehensive market study to explore the long-term supply of low-carbon and renewable ammonia, part of its broader push to decarbonise operations and accelerate the energy transition.

The renewable ammonia, produced using either low-carbon hydrogen or renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO hydrogen), will primarily be used in fertiliser production at ORLEN’s Anwil plant in Włocławek. The initiative aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the company’s downstream supply chain.

The company is also investigating the use of renewable ammonia as a hydrogen source for the production of synthetic aviation fuels, highlighting its growing role in clean energy innovation.

As part of the initiative, ORLEN will engage with potential suppliers and consider pilot deliveries in the coming years. It will also assess opportunities for equity partnerships within the ammonia value chain.

“The information gathered will inform our scenario planning for energy transition and decarbonisation,” the company stated.

ORLEN anticipates its demand for low-carbon and renewable hydrogen will rise to 350,000 tonnes annually by 2035, in line with its strategic goals and the EU’s REDIII Directive. Under REDIII, the industrial use of renewable hydrogen – excluding fuel and energy production – must account for 42% of total hydrogen consumption by 2030, rising to 60% by 2035.

This initiative supports ORLEN’s commitment to reducing emissions from its refining and petrochemical operations, while positioning the company as a key player in Europe’s emerging hydrogen economy.