PKN Orlen and the National Center for Research and Development (NCBR) have announced the application process for the joint grant program, i.e. NEON – NEW ORLEN. In the first competition, PLN 35 million will be available for projects related to the production of ecological biomass from plants whose cultivation will not disturb the ecosystem. 

In line with the ORLEN2030 strategy, the company carries out projects in the area of ​​biofuels, biomaterials and recycling that fit into the assumptions of the circular economy. The NEON program supports the development of these technologies and the achievement of emission neutrality by 2050. The competition organized jointly with the National Center for Research and Development will select innovative solutions that will strengthen this technologically advanced area of ​​the company’s activity. 

Bio-based products are a sustainable alternative to fossil raw materials. As a supplement to the Polish resource base, they are therefore becoming an important element in the transformation of the energy system based on renewable sources. 

“Bioproducts, after processing to traditional fuels, contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint generated by their use. They can also be used in the petrochemical industry as components of plastics, which also benefits the natural environment. That is why we want to increase the share of alternative raw materials in our base, especially since the plants necessary for their production can be grown in Poland”, says the director of the Innovation and New Technologies Office at PKN ORLEN, Arkadiusz Majoch. 

He adds that the creators of the program are focusing on innovative solutions because they determine the competitive advantage. They are also counting on the creativity of the participants of the competition addressed to consortia of scientific and scientific-industrial organizations and expecting innovative ideas that will help strengthen the company’s position in the bioproducts market. 

In the first NEON competition, the organizers are seeking innovative technologies for the production of biomass and bio components, as well as new (biological and biochemical) technologies for hydrogen production. In total, four competitions are planned, two in 2022 and two in 2023. This year they will focus on the areas of “Biomass” and “Closed Circulation Economy”, and in the next, “Decarbonisation” and “Industry 4.0”. PKN Orlen and the National Center for Research and Development will spend a total of PLN 200 million on innovative research and development projects. 

Arkadiusz Słomczyński OF