Orlen, the state-owned energy giant, has inaugurated Poland’s inaugural hydrogen refueling station accessible to the public.
Ambitious Expansion Plans for Hydrogen Infrastructure
Orlen has outlined a strategy to establish a network of 100 hydrogen refueling stations across Poland and neighboring countries by 2030. This initiative is a cornerstone of the company’s decarbonization efforts as it shifts from its primary focus on oil to alternative clean energy sources.
Poznań Facility Opens Doors to the Public
The new hydrogen refueling station, located in Poznań, Poland, had been operational since 2022, catering to the city’s fleet of 25 hydrogen-powered buses under the EU-funded Clean Cities program. However, it has now been made accessible to the public to fulfill the broader hydrogen needs of buses, trucks, and passenger cars.
Hydrogen’s Role in Decarbonizing Transportation
Artur Osuchowski, Orlen management board member responsible for energy transformation, emphasized hydrogen’s significance as a safe and alternative energy source for transportation, effectively reducing carbon dioxide emissions in urban areas.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles store hydrogen in tanks, which is then combined with oxygen from the air in a fuel cell to power an electric motor, producing only water vapor as a byproduct.
Expansion into Hydrogen Hubs
Back in 2022, Orlen announced its plan to establish nine hydrogen hubs across Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia for both hydrogen production and distribution.
Katowice Station to Open Soon, Followed by Other Cities
Orlen is set to open another hydrogen refueling station in Katowice, Poland, before the end of the year. Subsequently, the company will expand to other cities, including Warsaw, Gdynia, Kraków, Bielsko-Biała, and more.
This initial phase will encompass 16 facilities, supported by a €62 million grant from the European Union received in April 2024.