EIB grants €405mn to Orlen to reinforce Poland’s electricity grid

The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a loan agreement worth PLN1.7bn (€405mn) with the Orlen Group. This funding is allocated to support the operations of its subsidiary, Energa Operator, which manages electricity distribution, under a programme aimed at expanding and upgrading Poland’s electricity grid. The amount represents the third and final tranche of a total PLN3.5bn commitment approved by the EIB.

Infrastructure rollout and grid connections

The investment plan includes the rehabilitation of over 4,600 kilometres of existing power lines and the construction of an additional 2,300 kilometres. These projects will allow the integration of approximately 25,000 new connection points. Energa Operator also plans to modernise the metering equipment installed across its network.

These investments primarily target northern and central regions of the country, as part of a national strategy to strengthen electricity distribution. The financing covers infrastructure works related to grid capacity, operational reliability, and compatibility with variable power sources.

Long-term targets for grid structure

By 2035, the development programme led by Energa Operator foresees the construction of 11,000 kilometres of new overhead lines, 7,000 kilometres of underground cables, and the upgrade of nearly 10,000 kilometres of existing infrastructure. This deployment aims to enable the connection of 350,000 additional users and integrate an estimated 9 gigawatts of added generation capacity.

The introduction of energy storage systems is also planned to absorb production fluctuations and stabilise the grid. According to published estimates, the total capacity of the Polish grid would increase by over 16%.

The gradual exit from CfD contracts is turning stable assets into infrastructures exposed to higher volatility, challenging expected returns and traditional financing models for the renewable sector.
The Canadian government introduces major legislative changes to the Energy Efficiency Act to support its national strategy and adapt to the realities of digital commerce.
Quebec becomes the only Canadian province where a carbon price still applies directly to fuels, as Ottawa eliminated the public-facing carbon tax in April 2025.
New Delhi launches a 72.8 bn INR incentive plan to build a 6,000-tonne domestic capacity for permanent magnets, amid rising Chinese export restrictions on critical components.
The rise of CfDs, PPAs and capacity mechanisms signals a structural shift: markets alone no longer cover 10–30-year financing needs, while spot prices have surged 400% in Europe since 2019.
Germany plans to finalise the €5.8bn ($6.34bn) purchase of a 25.1% stake in TenneT Germany to strengthen its control over critical national power grid infrastructure.
The Ghanaian government is implementing a reform of its energy system focused on increasing the use of local natural gas, aiming to reduce electricity production costs and limit the sector's financial imbalance.
On the 50th anniversary of its independence, Suriname announced a national roadmap including major public investment to develop its offshore oil reserves.
China's power generation capacity recorded strong growth in October, driven by continued expansion of solar and wind, according to official data from the National Energy Administration.
The 2026–2031 offshore programme proposes opening over one billion acres to oil exploration, triggering a regulatory clash between Washington, coastal states and legal advocacy groups.
The government of Mozambique is consolidating its gas transport and regasification assets under a public vehicle, anchoring the strategic Beira–Rompco corridor to support Rovuma projects and respond to South Africa’s gas dependency.
The British system operator NESO initiates a consultation process to define the methodology of eleven upcoming regional strategic plans aimed at coordinating energy needs across England, Scotland and Wales.
The Belém summit ends with a technical compromise prioritising forest investment and adaptation, while avoiding fossil fuel discussions and opening a climate–trade dialogue likely to trigger new regulatory disputes.
The Asian Development Bank and the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a financing agreement to strengthen energy infrastructure, climate resilience and regional connectivity, with over $700mn committed through 2027.
A study from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies finds that energy-from-waste with carbon capture delivers nearly twice the climate benefit of converting waste into aviation fuel.
Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.
Gathered in Belém, states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe support the adoption of a timeline for the gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels, despite expected resistance from several producer countries.
The E3 and the United States submit a resolution to the IAEA to formalise Iran's non-cooperation following the June strikes, consolidating the legal basis for tougher energy and financial sanctions.
The United Kingdom launches a taskforce led by the Energy Minister to strengthen the security of the national power grid after a full shutdown at Heathrow Airport caused by a substation fire.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.