Becoming a global leader in reliability, efficiency, and safety

Ahead of our IDW Downstream Conference in Warsaw, our Vice President, Stefan Chapman, caught up with Szymon Walkowski, Efficiency and Strategy Director at Rafineria Gdańska, one of Central Eastern Europe’s most advanced production facilities.

During the interview, Szymon discussed how Rafineria Gdańska is striving to be a global leader in reliability, efficiency, and safety. One of the key strategies driving this goal is their robust investment program. A standout initiative is the 10+ program, launched in 2010, which boosted the refinery's processing capacity to over ten million tons of crude oil annually, implementing innovative solutions on a global scale. Another significant undertaking is the EFRA project, completed in 2019, which nearly eliminated the bottom-of-the-barrel problem, although there is still demand for bitumen, which the refinery continues to produce.?

Remaining competitive is crucial for refineries like Rafineria Gdańska, which requires both operational availability and flexibility. Szymon highlighted that maintaining high operational availability in the coming years is essential, which is why operational excellence is a core pillar of their strategy. This strategy focuses on two areas: enhancing the safety and availability of their installations, which remain among the most modern and efficient in the region, and improving their safety and efficiency culture. ?

In terms of flexibility, while stable market conditions mean less need for it, market disruptions like COVID-19 or geopolitical events have highlighted its importance. Rafineria Gdańska’s proximity to the sea allows it to maintain production levels by exporting products, even when other regional refineries are reducing output.??

The downstream industry is currently experiencing a significant transition, driven by policies that may discourage investment due to their ambiguity or overly stringent requirements. Szymon highlighted that securing financing for decarbonisation projects is particularly challenging. Fortunately, Rafineria Gdańska’s strong efficiency track record makes it easier to implement energy efficient projects that also serve decarbonisation goals. In contrast, other efforts, like carbon capture and storage (CCS), tend to be less profitable. Ultimately, these investments rely on the availability of green electricity, which is currently insufficient.?

Szymon highlighted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the United States provides a clear model with effective incentives, such as tax reductions for decarbonisation projects. A similar policy in Europe could significantly cut CO2 emissions and make these projects more viable. To move forward, we need a balanced approach with clear guidelines and support for these investments.?

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW:

Szymon Walkowski, Efficiency and Strategy Director at Rafineria Gdańska, will be joining us in Warsaw, Poland, in September to discuss this and more. Join us!

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