ORLEN accelerates energy transition with CEE’s largest AI deployment in partnership with Microsoft

ORLEN is set to accelerate its transformation journey by launching the largest artificial intelligence (AI) deployment in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), in collaboration with Microsoft. This move reinforces ORLEN’s commitment to ensuring regional energy security while delivering affordable and reliable energy to Polish citizens.

Source: ORLEN

Recognising that a successful energy transition requires more than just investments in renewables and infrastructure, ORLEN is prioritising digital tools to optimise operations, enhance cybersecurity, and boost workforce productivity across its extensive portfolio of companies.

The energy transition is a challenge for the entire economy – one that requires decisive action here and now. Our 2035 strategy represents the largest investment programme in the history of Poland’s energy sector, valued at up to PLN 380 billion. We aim to move even faster, using advanced tools to support our daily work. Deploying AI across our organisation of more than 60,000 people will enhance operational efficiency by reducing repetitive tasks and unlocking the full potential of our employees’ unique skills. These skills remain our most valuable asset.

^{Fąfara, CEO and President of the Management Board of ORLEN}

Digital transformation is a core pillar of ORLEN’s strategy, ‘The Energy of Tomorrow Starts Today’. The strategic roadmap, published in January, emphasises the critical role of digital tools and effective data management in enabling the Group’s energy transition.

We aim to strengthen our teams’ digital capabilities by implementing advanced IT solutions across the organisation. Tools like Microsoft Copilot and Agentic AI will optimise performance, reinforce cybersecurity, and improve workplace efficiency. Ultimately, these technologies will generate synergies across the Group and deliver tangible business benefits.

^{Robert Soszyński, COO and Vice President of the Management Board of ORLEN}

The partnership agreement with Microsoft includes the standardisation and consolidation of software licences, development of secure cloud technologies, and the rollout of intelligent AI assistants. These solutions will relieve employees from routine tasks, provide data-driven recommendations, and enhance decision-making across the business.

The AI tools we are implementing will have wide-reaching applications. They will support everything from analysing regulatory changes and controlling functions to monitoring strategic data from global oil and gas markets, streamlining supply chain logistics, and even web design.

^{Michał Furman, Executive Director for Digital Transformation and IT at ORLEN}

As part of this collaboration, ORLEN and Microsoft will establish a Competence Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation, and Advanced Analytics. The centre will serve as an internal innovation incubator – identifying and developing high-impact projects, supporting experimentation with generative AI technologies, and scaling their implementation Group-wide.

The integration of AI into organisational processes is now a strategic decision. Leaders who treat AI as a core part of their operating model are not just responding to market challenges – they are shaping the market itself. We are entering a new era where people and technology work side by side as equals. Our goal is to create an environment where human talent can focus on what truly matters: making better decisions, driving innovation, and building sustainable competitive advantage.

^{Iwona Szylar, General Manager of Microsoft Poland}

Beyond software licensing, the partnership will include joint workshops and assessments to identify the highest-value AI applications for ORLEN’s business.