ORLEN has announced the launch of a detailed market study aimed at sourcing low-carbon and renewable ammonia, aligning with its strategic commitment to reducing emissions and advancing energy transition efforts. The initiative is a key part of ORLEN’s broader sustainability agenda, which includes decarbonising its industrial operations and transitioning to cleaner feedstocks across multiple production segments.

The renewable ammonia targeted through this study will primarily be used at ORLEN’s Anwil plant in Wloclawek for the production of fertilizers. This move is expected to significantly contribute to lowering the carbon footprint of fertilizer manufacturing. In addition to its role in agriculture, renewable ammonia is also being considered as a potential hydrogen carrier for the production of synthetic aviation fuels — a growing sector in the quest for sustainable air travel.

The scope of the market study includes identifying potential long-term suppliers of ammonia produced using low-carbon hydrogen and renewable hydrogen from non-biological sources, often referred to as RFNBO (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin). These types of hydrogen-derived ammonia are central to ORLEN’s ambition to decarbonise its downstream operations. The company plans to initiate pilot deliveries of low-carbon ammonia in the coming years to test the material’s viability and evaluate its environmental impact across the entire supply chain.

Crucially, the initiative goes beyond procurement. ORLEN is also seeking to engage in dialogue with suppliers and stakeholders to explore collaborative opportunities, including potential equity investments within the ammonia value chain. By assessing the market landscape in a comprehensive manner, ORLEN aims to gather strategic insights that will inform its future decarbonisation scenarios and energy transition roadmaps.

This effort is closely tied to European Union climate regulations, particularly the RED III Directive. Under this directive, industries are required to increase the share of renewable hydrogen in their total hydrogen usage — excluding hydrogen used for fuel and energy — to 42% by 2030, and further to 60% by 2035. ORLEN is taking proactive steps to meet and potentially exceed these targets by building a secure and diversified supply base for low-carbon and renewable hydrogen.

Looking ahead, ORLEN estimates that its demand for low-carbon or renewable hydrogen could reach approximately 350,000 tonnes annually by 2035. This projection underscores the importance of securing sustainable ammonia sources as both a raw material and a hydrogen carrier.

By prioritising innovation and emissions reduction, ORLEN is positioning itself at the forefront of the energy transformation. Its commitment to renewable ammonia reflects a broader strategy to modernise operations, comply with EU climate goals, and lead by example in the pursuit of a net-zero future.