PKN ORLEN is implementing the “Blue Bridge” innovative project, which will enable a reduction of approximately 25 % in water abstraction from the Vistula River obtained for technological processes at the Production Plant in Płock.

Together with its partner in the project, Płock Waterworks, PKN ORLEN signed a letter of intent with the State Water Management Company Polish Waters, which provides for the construction of an installation for the treatment of wastewater from the city’s treatment plant and its reuse by the company. The investment, which is in line with the principles of a closed loop economy, will be commissioned in 2025.

The “Blue Bridge” project involves treating wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant operated by Płock Waterworks to a quality that meets water parameters and reusing it at the PKN ORLEN Production Plant in Płock is located about 5 km from the wastewater discharge. This will enable the company to reduce the intake of Vistula water, used in technological processes, by approximately 25 %.

“The task of the Polish Waters is not only to take care of the safety and condition of water resources in Poland, but also to support ideas and innovations in this area”, said Krzysztof Woś, President of the State Water Management Authority Polish Waters. “Water is a limited resource and the problem of water scarcity is already beginning to affect some parts of our country. Płock, in symbiosis with industry, will be the first centre in Poland to have a closed water loop. The closed-loop economy project is in line with the programme objectives of the New Green Deal, and the benefits of its implementation are obvious,” added Krzysztof Woś.

As PKN ORLEN stresses, the implementation of the Blue Bridge project will also contribute to improving the biodiversity and attractiveness of the Vistula River area and lowering the water and environmental footprint in Płock.

Adrian Andrzejewski