Poland’s energy company Orlen has received €400 million (1.7 billion zloty) in funding from the European Union to support its clean hydrogen initiatives. This financing aims to bolster Orlen’s hydrogen production capabilities and infrastructure, aligning with Poland’s goals for decarbonization and the broader EU commitment to sustainable energy.
The EU funds were previously withheld due to concerns regarding judicial independence under the former government. However, following the election of Donald Tusk’s pro-EU coalition, the funding was released, allowing Orlen to advance its hydrogen agenda.
Orlen plans to establish 111 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030, with 57 located in Poland, 28 in the Czech Republic, and 26 in Slovakia, positioning itself as a leader in the regional hydrogen market. The company is initiating two key projects: Green H2 and Hydrogen Eagle.
The Green H2 project includes the development of a plant in Gdańsk equipped with a 100-megawatt electrolyzer, which will use renewable energy sources for hydrogen production aimed at refining processes. The Hydrogen Eagle initiative aims to create nine hydrogen hubs across Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia, utilizing solar, wind, and waste-to-hydrogen technologies.
Orlen’s CEO Ireneusz Fąfara emphasized that this funding will not only expand hydrogen production infrastructure but also strengthen both domestic and European hydrogen supply networks. The initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to the transition to cleaner energy in the region.
