PKN Orlen is set to build a hydrogen hub in Włocławek, Poland by the end of 2021, ultimately producing up to 600 kg of purified hydrogen per hour. The project provides for the construction of a plant for the production of fuel-cell grade hydrogen, logistics infrastructure, and hydrogen refuelling stations. Initially, the fuel will be distributed primarily for use in public and freight transport. The company has already signed several agreements with local governments as potential customers for the hydrogen.

 

‘We are well aware of the challenges posed by the global trend of new mobility, so our strategy provides for constant development of alternative fuels and low-emission technologies. We are confident hydrogen will be an important transport fuel in the future, so we are ramping up our work in this field. Our goal is to strengthen our leadership position in the demanding hydrogen market. Slated for completion next year and sited in Włocławek, the project will be a milestone enabling us to successfully compete with the biggest players in the region. As a next step, we plan to build a similar hub at PKN ORLEN’s refinery in Płock. A hydrogen purification plant is also being built at our biorefinery in Trzebinia,’ said Daniel Obajtek, President of the PKN ORLEN Management Board.

 

Initially, the hydrogen undergoing purification at the Włocławek site will be distributed primarily for use in public and freight transport, including rail transport. The company has already signed letters of intent on collaboration in advancing hydrogen-powered public transport services with the Metropolitan Association of Upper Silesia and Dąbrowa Basin, Krakowski Holding Komunalny, Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacyjne of Kraków, and the City of Płock. Further agreements are being negotiated with other municipalities. Also, the company has signed a letter of intent with PESA Bydgoszcz to develop a hydrogen-powered locomotive, to be used by PKN ORLEN for logistics purposes.

 

‘A hydrogen-powered public transport network has a real impact on return on investment in charging stations, supporting the nascent yet very promising hydrogen-powered private transport market, which also falls within the scope of PKN ORLEN’s strategic capex projects. In its initial development phase, the hydrogen technology will be used primarily in public and freight transport. Therefore, we have forged partnerships with local governments and transport companies in order to gain a strong foothold in the market, while maintaining the ability to develop the technology independently. In cities of northern and western Europe, projects testing hydrogen-fuelled vehicles in public transport service are being extended, and low-emission buses are becoming an integral part of local public infrastructure. We are headed in the right direction,’ noted Józef Węgrecki, Member of the PKN ORLEN Management Board, Operations.