ORLEN and Microsoft Unveil CEE’s Largest AI Rollout to Power Energy Transition

ORLEN and Microsoft Unveil CEE’s Largest AI Rollout to Power Energy Transition

(IN BRIEF) ORLEN and Microsoft are launching the largest AI deployment in Central and Eastern Europe to accelerate ORLEN’s 2035 energy-transition strategy. The initiative standardizes software licenses, builds secure cloud platforms, and introduces AI assistants—such as Microsoft Copilot and Agentic AI—to automate tasks, enhance cybersecurity, streamline production, and unlock workforce potential across ORLEN’s 200+ entities and 60 000+ employees. A dedicated Competence Centre will incubate and scale generative AI projects. Executives highlight that integrating AI is essential not only for operational efficiency but also for shaping market dynamics and driving sustainable competitive advantage. Joint workshops will further identify high-impact AI use cases.

(PRESS RELEASE) PŁOCK, 9-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — ORLEN is steadfastly executing its strategic vision to guarantee regional energy security and provide Polish citizens with reliable, affordable power. Recognizing that a successful energy transition hinges on digital innovation, the ORLEN Group has partnered with Microsoft to launch the largest AI implementation in Central and Eastern Europe. These cutting-edge solutions will optimize energy operations, bolster cybersecurity, streamline production workflows, enhance data analytics, and elevate workforce productivity throughout the Group.

“The energy transition poses an urgent challenge for every sector of the economy,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO and President of ORLEN’s Management Board. “Our 2035 strategy represents Poland’s largest energy-sector investment programme—up to PLN 380 billion—and the scale of activity is akin to one vast construction site. To accelerate even further, we’re adopting the most advanced digital tools available. With over 200 companies across more than a dozen countries and a workforce exceeding 60 000, seamless information flow and continuous innovation are critical. By deploying AI, we’ll automate repetitive tasks and unlock our people’s unique talents—our greatest asset.”

Digital transformation anchors ORLEN’s ‘The Energy of Tomorrow Starts Today’ roadmap, published in January, which underscores the importance of Group-wide data management and digital tools in driving the energy transition.

“Strengthening our teams’ digital skills requires platforms that facilitate the rapid development and deployment of sophisticated IT solutions,” explained Robert Soszyński, COO and Vice President of ORLEN’s Management Board. “Microsoft Copilot and Agentic AI will enable us to optimize operational performance, fortify cybersecurity, and boost workplace efficiency—generating synergies and measurable business gains across the Group.”

The Microsoft agreement standardizes and consolidates software licenses, advances secure cloud infrastructures, and introduces intelligent digital assistants to offload routine tasks and deliver data-driven insights.

“Our AI tools will serve diverse functions—from tracking regulatory changes and supporting financial controls to monitoring global oil and gas market data, optimizing supply chains, and even assisting with web design,” stated Michał Furman, Executive Director for Digital Transformation and IT. “This partnership marks a pivotal step in ORLEN’s digital evolution.”

To cultivate in-house AI expertise, ORLEN and Microsoft will establish a Competence Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and Advanced Analytics. This incubator will identify high-impact projects, foster experimentation with generative AI, and scale successful proofs of concept across the organization.

“Embracing AI within core operations isn’t just reactive—it shapes the market itself,” said Iwona Szylar, General Manager of Microsoft Poland. “We’re entering a new era where humans and technology collaborate as equals. Our aim is to free talent to focus on strategic decision-making, innovation, and sustainable competitive advantage—creating value, not just cutting costs or increasing speed.”

Beyond license consolidation, the collaboration will feature joint workshops and assessments to explore further AI applications within ORLEN.

Press Office at: media@orlen.pl

SOURCE: ORLEN