Poland Announces the Largest-Ever Oil Discovery on Polish Territory

Clark Savage

2 months ago

In a groundbreaking development for Europe’s energy landscape, Poland has unveiled what officials are calling the largest oil discovery in the nation’s history. The find, located in the Baltic Sea off the coast near the German border, promises to significantly bolster Poland’s energy security amid ongoing global uncertainties. This announcement comes at a pivotal time, as the country seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on imports.

Details of the Discovery

The discovery was made by Central European Petroleum (CEP), a key player in regional exploration, at the Wolin East 1 (WE1) well. Drilling operations, conducted approximately 6 kilometers from the coastal town of Świnoujście, confirmed substantial hydrocarbon reserves. According to initial estimates, the WE1 well alone holds around 22 million tonnes of crude oil (161.26 million barrels) and 5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas.

The broader Wolin concession area, spanning 593 square kilometers, is projected to contain up to 33 million tonnes of oil and 27 bcm of gas in total.

CEP’s assessments indicate mean recoverable resources equivalent to 200 million barrels of oil, including sales gas and natural gas liquids.

This offshore field represents not only Poland’s biggest find but also one of Europe’s largest oil deposits discovered in the past decade, potentially reshaping regional energy dynamics.

Polish officials have hailed it as a “breakthrough,” emphasizing its role in enhancing national energy independence.

The discovery aligns with Poland’s strategic push toward domestic resource development, especially in the Baltic Sea region. If fully realized, these reserves could more than double the country’s current estimated oil reserves, which stood at approximately 20.2 million tonnes as of 2023.

Poland’s Overall Oil and Gas Production LandscapePoland has historically been a modest producer of hydrocarbons, relying heavily on imports to meet its energy needs. However, recent investments and discoveries like this one signal a shift toward greater self-sufficiency.

Key Production Statistics (as of 2025):

Category	Metric	Details
Crude Oil Production	~18,000 barrels per day (bpd)	Unchanged in early 2025; annual average has been around 14,000 bpd since 1993. This equates to roughly 0.9 million tonnes annually.
Oil Consumption	~30 million tonnes (2023)	Includes petroleum products; domestic production covers only a fraction.
Natural Gas Production	~8.6 bcm (2024)	Led by the ORLEN Group, marking a 20% year-on-year increase. Total national production is estimated around this figure, with growth driven by upstream expansions.
Gas Consumption	~20-25 bcm annually (est.)	Supported by imports and storage facilities holding up to 18.6 terawatt-hours (TWh) as of March 2025, at about 50% fullness.
Oil Reserves (Pre-Discovery)	~20.2 million tonnes (2023)	The new find could add 33 million tonnes, significantly expanding this base.

Poland’s energy sector contributes modestly to global output, with crude oil production accounting for about 3.2% of its total crude oil supply in 2023.

The country’s focus has traditionally been on natural gas, where production has seen steady growth. The Baltic discovery could elevate oil’s role, potentially increasing annual output if extraction proves economically viable.Major Oil and Gas Companies in PolandThe Polish oil and gas industry is dominated by a few key players, with state-backed entities leading the charge. Here’s an overview of the major companies:

PKN Orlen (Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen): The largest integrated oil and gas company in Poland, involved in refining, retail, and upstream exploration. It owns PGNiG (upstream arm) and has merged with Lotos, controlling much of the domestic market. Orlen reported record gas production in 2024 and is a WSE-listed giant.
Lotos Petrobaltic (now part of Orlen): Specializes in offshore exploration in the Baltic Sea. It has been instrumental in regional discoveries and is fully integrated into Orlen’s operations.
Central European Petroleum (CEP): The operator behind the recent Wolin discovery, focusing on exploration in Central Europe. While smaller than Orlen, it’s gaining prominence with this major find.
Gaz-System: Primarily a transmission operator, managing Poland’s gas pipelines. It’s crucial for infrastructure but not directly in production.

Other notable firms include smaller explorers like Oil and Gas Exploration Company Krakow Ltd. and PGNiG Technologie S.A., but Orlen remains the undisputed leader in revenue and operations.

Implications for Poland and Beyond

This discovery couldn’t come at a better time for Poland, which has been weaning itself off Russian energy imports since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. By tapping into these reserves, Poland could reduce its vulnerability to supply disruptions and contribute to Europe’s broader energy diversification efforts. However, challenges remain, including environmental concerns, extraction costs, and geopolitical tensions in the Baltic region.As development progresses, the world will watch closely. For now, this find underscores Poland’s emerging role as a key energy player in Europe, blending traditional hydrocarbons with a push toward sustainability.Image: An offshore oil platform in the Baltic Sea, symbolizing Poland’s latest energy breakthrough. (Credit: Stock imagery representative of the discovery site.)