Poland discovers new oil and gas fields in the Baltic - what next?

Central European Petroleum (CEP) on Monday announced a landmark oil and gas discovery in the Polish part of the Baltic Sea. It is located near the island of Wolin and Świnoujście.

According to the information provided, Wolin East in the Baltic is expected to contain 22 million tonnes of oil and 5 billion cubic metres of natural gas.

Details of the discovery

The discovered field is called Wolin East and is located in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea. According to CEP, the first well could contain up to 22 million tonnes of oil and 5 billion cubic metres of natural gas. Experts estimate that these are preliminary figures and that further exploration may reveal more potential in the region.

Geological breakthrough

The Wolin East field lies in an area that has not previously been explored in detail for hydrocarbons. Krzysztof Galos, undersecretary of state and the country's chief geologist, stresses that the discovery could be one of the most important moments in the history of Polish oil and gas exploration:

- The discovery of the Wolin East hydrocarbon deposit - although it still requires the preparation, submission and approval of a geological documentation of the deposit - may turn out to be one of the breakthrough moments in the history of hydrocarbon exploration in Poland, especially with regard to areas still insufficiently explored, such as the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone on the Baltic Sea. - added Krzysztof Galos.

Significance for the Polish energy sector

The discovery of deposits may significantly increase Poland's energy security and reduce the amount of raw materials imported from abroad. This is an important step towards the country's energy independence.

- This is a historic moment for both Central European Petroleum and the Polish energy sector. We see this discovery as a foundation for the long-term, responsible development of Poland's marine resources. Wolin East is not only a promising field - it is a shared opportunity to realise the full geological and energy potential of the Baltic Sea." - said Rolf G. Skaar, CEO of CEP.

Potential environmental impact

The discovery of the deposits also brings questions about the potential impact of oil and gas extraction on the marine environment. Possible extraction will have to meet strict environmental standards, but the risk of a negative impact on the Baltic Sea ecosystem is very low. Modern technologies make it possible to minimise the risk of spills and interference with nature.