PNE has sold a 40 MW solar project in Poland to Orlen, the largest multi-energy utility in Central and Eastern Europe, in a transaction that will allow the Polish group to directly supply renewable electricity to its main refinery in Plock. The operation, executed through PNE’s local subsidiary PNE Polska, strengthens the developer’s position in one of Europe’s most active renewable energy markets, according to information provided by PNE.

The deal involves the sale of 100% of the shares in the project company RES Project 5, which holds the rights to build and operate a photovoltaic plant with an installed capacity of approximately 40 MW. The solar farm will be located in the immediate vicinity of Orlen’s production facility in Plock and will be connected directly to the refinery’s internal power grid.

This “behind-the-meter” configuration will allow the solar installation to supply electricity without using the public grid, reducing regulatory risks and simplifying administrative procedures during development and construction, PNE explained. The project is expected to contribute to the decarbonisation of one of Poland’s key industrial hubs.

According to the company, the project was developed as ready-to-build-plus, meaning that, beyond reaching construction readiness, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) offers have already been prepared. Orlen will partially use this preparatory work as a basis for further planning and implementation of the project.

Orlen plans to select a contractor in 2026, with commissioning of the solar farm scheduled for 2028.

The transaction underscores the role of PNE Polska within the PNE Group and its positioning as an integrated service provider and preferred partner for large industrial and energy players, the company said. The deal also marks the first direct transaction between the PNE Group and Orlen S.A.

“The quality of our development work and our ability to deliver tailored energy solutions to major industrial players is reflected in this transaction,” said Holger Gallas, CEO of PNE Polska. He added that supplying a project directly connected to refinery infrastructure supports ORLEN’s energy transition strategy and contributes to the decarbonisation of heavy industry in Europe.

Roland Stanze, COO of PNE AG, highlighted that the group develops projects directly for customers without relying on government support schemes or public grid access. “This further establishes us as a company that provides integrated services solutions,” he said.