The Offshore Wind Energy project is an extremely important element of PKN Orlen’s long-term development strategy, in line with the global trend of energy transformation. That is why the project assumptions have not changed, and the preparatory works for the investment are being carried out according to the schedule – said PKN Orlen’s executive director for energy, Jarosław Dybowski in an interview with BiznesAlert.pl.
PKN Orlen announced the selection of an offshore partner at the turn of the first and second quarter of this year. At what stage is this process?
We are in the final phase of choosing a partner to implement the project. The level of offers that qualified for the last stage was very even, and the offer talks covered very detailed issues. Importantly, the partner selection process that is being finalized does not affect the schedule of the preparatory works for the investment, which are carried out as planned – explains Jarosław Dybowski.
Due to the current situation of the coronavirus epidemic, all investments carried out by PKN Orlen, including those in the preparation phase. The offshore wind farm project is proceeding as scheduled. This also applies to conversations that PKN Orlen holds with potential partners.
Editorial staff of BiznesAlert.pl: A special purpose company PKN Orlen called Baltic Power conducts environmental, wind and geological surveys. Can this work be delayed due to a coronavirus pandemic?
The epidemic status introduced in the country and the resulting restrictions have forced some changes. These are primarily procedures that increase the sanitary safety of employees, such as temperature measurements or reducing research teams to an absolute minimum. Despite these difficulties, we have maintained continuity of work and are taking place according to the adopted schedule. In the case of geological surveys, we have missed this problem due to the earlier completed works at sea, while the wind tests are carried out remotely using a buoy installed in the farm area. Thus, the current situation does not cause any delays. Regardless of this, together with our subcontractors, we have carried out the process of identifying and assessing the risks associated with the impact of the epidemic on our project. This allows us to prepare for various scenarios and properly manage the work so as to maintain their current pace.
According to information provided at the beginning of the year by PKN Orlen regarding a tender for a wind farm designer, he is currently in a dialogue with potential contractors.
At this stage, it is important for us that our inquiry received a very wide response from the market. Thanks to this, we have the comfort of choosing the best designer in our opinion. Also in this case, despite organizational difficulties related to the state of the epidemic, works are being carried out according to the schedule. The Offshore Wind Energy project is an extremely important element of PKN Orlen’s long-term development strategy, which is part of the global energy transformation trend – emphasizes Jarosław Dybowski, the executive director of energy for PKN Orlen.