BUND supports Schwedt: Future of the PCK refinery in focus!

BUND supports Schwedt: Future of the PCK refinery in focus!

In the latest session of the PCK-Taskforce in Potsdam On Tuesday evening it became clear that the support for the PCK Refinery in Schwedt will continue to maintain in the future. The federal government is not only characterized for the stability of the workplaces, but also relies on innovative approaches. State Secretary Frank Wetzel described the development of synthetic fuels for air traffic as promising and promising for the region. rbb24 reports that Schwedt is now trying to go into partnerships with investors, whereby the state of Brandenburg continues to support.

The PCK Refinery, which the majority is owned by the Russian state company Rosneft, is still the focus of political discussions. While the federal government favors a sale of the majority shares, he cannot force this wish. Since 2022, the federal government has taken control of the Rosneft shares by trust management, which has now been extended several times. Brandenburg's member of the Bundestag Christian Görke has criticized this solution as "a temporary game" and demands more participation in the future development of the refinery, especially with regard to the shell shares. Wetzel announced that a decision on a possible extension of the trust management could be made in a few weeks.

future prospects and challenges

Tagesspiegel reports that Wetzel perceives the state of the refinery as incapable of satisfactory and the sale is in the hands of the owner. With around 1200 employees, the PCK refinery is an important employer in the region and now has to face new challenges. The former crude oil supply from Russia has no longer been possible since the Ukraine conflict in 2023, which brings the need to secure alternative sources of supply for crude oil. Currently, the supply of crude oil from Kazakhstan ensures a stable operation of the refinery, which in the first half of 2025 achieved a gratifying utilization of 84 percent.

In order to improve the framework conditions for investments, the PCK refinery is working on an administrative agreement with the Federal Network Agency, which is intended to serve as the basis for leasing areas to investors. This could also benefit startups, because the refinery increases the availability and emphasizes the need for further settlements for projects for decarbonization and for e-fuel. Brandenburg's Minister of Economic Affairs emphasizes how important it is to develop new business models to make the refinery future -proof.

Overall, it can be seen that the situation of the PCK refinery is a critical challenge that has both economic and political dimensions. With a view of the coming months, it will be shown whether the desired goals can be achieved and what contribution the region will make to adapt to the changing market conditions.