Central European Petroleum (CEP) has announced a significant oil and gas discovery at the Wolin East 1 (WE1) well in the Baltic Sea, which could enhance Poland's energy potential.

The WE1 well, drilled using a jack-up rig to a depth of 2,715m in 9.5m-deep waters, revealed a 62m hydrocarbon column within the Main Dolomite geological formation.

Reservoir properties for oil and gas production have also been uncovered.

CEP CEO Rolf G. Skaar said: “This is a historic moment for both Central European Petroleum and Poland’s energy sector. We view this discovery as a foundation for long-term, responsible development of Poland’s offshore resources.

“Wolin East is more than just a promising field – it represents a shared opportunity to unlock the full geological and energy potential of the Baltic Sea.”

The Wolin East oil discovery, located 6km offshore Świnoujście, Poland, is estimated to contain total recoverable resources of 200 million barrels of oil equivalent (mboe), with potential for further exploration.

This discovery is set to position Wolin East as the largest conventional hydrocarbon field in Poland and one of the most significant in Europe over the past ten years.

Skaar added: “We are advancing conceptual infrastructure development studies utilising the latest technology and Wolin East is poised to become a vital component of Poland’s domestic energy portfolio.

“Our focus is on ensuring that development moves forward swiftly in a manner that is technically sound, aligned with the country’s strategic interests and carried out in close cooperation with national stakeholders.”

The total recoverable hydrocarbon resources within the Wolin licence, including the Main Dolomite and the deeper Rotliegend formation, are estimated to exceed 400mboe.

However, the development of the Wolin East hydrocarbon deposit is contingent upon the completion and approval of the deposit’s geological documentation.

Undersecretary of State and chief geologist Krzysztof Galos said: “If this discovery is ultimately confirmed, the Wolin East deposit could become the largest oil and associated natural gas field discovered in Poland to date.

“The future development of this site may significantly contribute to strengthening Poland’s energy security and reducing its dependence on external hydrocarbon suppliers, provided that all necessary formal requirements enabling its exploitation are met in advance.”