Poland Challenges Orlen's Gas Import Monopoly with New LNG Terminal

Poland's energy landscape is on the cusp of a significant shift as state-owned energy giants prepare to challenge Orlen's long-standing monopoly on natural gas imports. The development of a new floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Bay of Gdańsk, designated FSRU 2, is central to this transformation.

Gaz-System, the transmission system operator, announced that four entities have secured long-term access to the FSRU 2 terminal's services. Notably, two major electricity companies, which have historically navigated complex gas procurement negotiations with Orlen (formerly PGNiG), will soon have the capability to independently import gas from abroad within the next six years. This move is expected to help them reduce gas prices, a crucial factor as they plan the construction of new gas-fired power plants.

While Orlen has fully contracted the regasification capacity for the existing LNG terminals in Świnoujście and the first floating terminal in Gdańsk, as well as the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline, the success of the Open Season procedure for the third terminal signifies a new era. For the first time, multiple entities have secured access to LNG infrastructure managed by Gaz-System.

Market interest in the FSRU 2 terminal's capacity exceeded the initial offering. Gaz-System responded by increasing the terminal's technical parameters, boosting its regasification capacity from a planned 4.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) to 6.1 bcm of gas annually. In total, 47 annual slots were contracted for 2030–2039 and 35 slots for 2040–2044. With the increased capacity, the total reservation level reaches 74% over the service period.

Sławomir Hinc, president of Gaz-System, described the Open Season results as a clear market signal. "Participants have confirmed that they see opportunities in Poland for further business development, building new supply chains, and increasing the use of LNG as a vital element of the energy system," he stated. Hinc added that this confirms the validity of their investment strategy and marks another step in building modern energy infrastructure and a competitive market for Poland and the entire region.