Orlen is reviewing its strategic targets in response to the changing economic and geopolitical landscape, but the company insists it is not turning away from the energy transition. Sławomir Radoń, executive director for strategy and innovation at Orlen, tells WNP that the firm is analyzing the pace and method of implementing its plans, while the overall strategic direction remains intact.
The debate over the future of the energy transition has intensified in recent months. High energy costs, declining competitiveness of the European economy, and shifting geopolitical dynamics have prompted questions about the speed and validity of previously adopted goals. According to Radoń, the trend itself is clear.
– The trend is not changing. We are heading toward renewables. The question is rather about the pace of change and the way to reach the goal – said Sławomir Radoń.
Europe needs a more business-driven approach
Radoń argues that Europe should take a more critical look at a transition model built primarily on regulations. He believes that the European business community has become too accustomed to waiting for regulatory impulses.
– Europe should approach this more pragmatically, so that the transformation is more business-justified and less forced by regulations – he stated. – We have gotten used to regulations driving change, but that does not have to be the case.
As an example, he points to the American market, where breakthrough projects have emerged without prior regulatory support. – Tesla was created because it was a good business idea, not because someone had previously created the right regulations – Radoń said.
In his view, Polish companies are ready to participate more actively in the energy transition and should take greater responsibility for their own development. – We cannot just wait for the European Union to change regulations or create better conditions. We must also influence the pace of these changes ourselves – he added.
Stable investment plans and flexible scenarios
Despite the uncertain environment, Orlen is not planning a strategic revolution. Radoń stresses that the company’s role is to maintain financial stability and be prepared for multiple possible developments.
– The strategy must today take into account a very wide spectrum of possible scenarios. You have to be ready for different variants of how events unfold – he explained. The company is currently reviewing its strategic targets in the context of global changes, but this does not mean walking away from investments or transition ambitions.
Radoń also recalls the scale of planned capital expenditure. – By 2035, we are talking about investments of PLN 350-380 billion. That is not changing – he said.
When asked about the future of fossil fuels, Radoń noted that predictions of an imminent peak in oil demand have repeatedly proved premature. – I do not know when peak oil will occur. Oil consumption will gradually decline, but it will be a very long process. We are talking about decades rather than a few years – he concluded.
Source: wnp.pl, Photo: wnp.pl
