Orlen and Gdańsk Tech Innovation Will Support the Polish Energy Sector
The company Orlen Projekt, together with Gdańsk Tech, has developed two types of innovative structures for the construction of high-voltage lines. Thanks to the use of less steel, they are lighter, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than previous solutions.
The company Orlen Projekt, together with Gdańsk Tech, has developed two types of innovative structures for the construction of high-voltage lines. Thanks to the use of less steel, they are lighter, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than previous solutions.
The license to use innovative designs of energy poles will be available for purchase by all Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in Poland, as well as design offices that build and modernize lines on behalf of the DSOs. This will facilitate the modernization of distribution networks and significantly reduce its costs.
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, a ceremonial exchange of documents took place between Gdańsk Tech and Orlen Projekt S.A. The concluded agreement concerns the implementation of a joint project entitled "Innovative special-purpose structures for single- and double-circuit poles for high-voltage lines along with a communication system powered directly from the high-voltage line" (acronym PYLON II). Within the project, Orlen Projekt was responsible for designing the structures, while Gdańsk Tech was responsible for implementing the communication and power supply system for the base station. The total value of the project is approximately PLN 4 million, of which funding for Gdańsk Tech amounts to PLN 1.6 million.
Representing the university at the meeting were: Professor Justyna Kucińska-Lipka, Vice-Rector for Development, PhD Marek Olesz from the Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, project manager on behalf of Gdańsk Tech, and Sławomir Ćwikliński, innovation broker from the Technology Transfer Centre. From Orlen Projekt S.A., present were: Cezary Lewandowski, President of the Management Board, PhD Eng. Piotr Gryszpanowicz, Member of the Management Board, Arkadiusz Iwaniak, Member of the Management Board, Łukasz Chrostowski, Director of the Energy Design Office, Paweł Szwarczewski, Head of the Power Line Department, and Anna Scheibe, Head of the Construction and Architectural Team in Gdańsk.
The meeting also discussed, among other things, the commercialization of the results of the PYLON II project by Orlen Projekt. Company representatives informed that an offer is being prepared for large domestic companies, which are already showing interest in implementing the results of the completed project, due to the strategy for modernizing high-voltage networks nationwide over the next few years. Further cooperation between the university and Orlen Projekt in areas including petrochemicals, energy, and automation was also discussed.
– As Gdańsk Tech, we are open to cooperation in each of the mentioned areas, possessing competencies that meet the needs of the Orlen Group. We also declare openness to launching dedicated educational pathways related to the demand of individual entities of the Group – said Prof. Justyna Kucińska-Lipka, Vice-Rector for Development, during the meeting.
About the project
The joint project between Gdańsk Tech and Orlen resulted in the development of innovative structures for building high-voltage lines.
In the case of the Type I pole structure, steel usage will decrease by about 10-15%. The Type II pole allows the use of a single structure for two purposes – in addition to electricity distribution, it will also enable telecommunications services. Additionally, the system will be equipped with arrangements allowing it to operate for a defined period in the event of power loss from the high-voltage line and the possibility of using electricity from renewable sources, such as photovoltaic panels.
– The installation of antennas and communication systems on structures primarily used for electricity distribution will reduce construction costs and minimize potential risks associated with building separate antenna masts – emphasizes Anna Scheibe, project manager from ORLEN Projekt.
This is an unprecedented solution on a national scale. It will also allow the use of high-voltage lines to cover areas currently not covered by, among others, TETRA communication (a modern system created especially for public safety and rescue services). This is an important aspect that facilitates the functioning of critical infrastructure in crisis situations.
The designed poles also occupy much less space than those used so far, which is particularly important when locating energy infrastructure on private plots.
Greater safety of distribution networks
The new poles are modern and durable, which is crucial from the point of view of energy security. The proposed structures shorten the time required to build new lines due to faster and easier assembly of individual elements. Also, in the case of damage to energy infrastructure, its reconstruction will be much easier and faster.