© Orlen Group

Polish energy group Orlen has secured PLN 1.7 billion ($459 million) in non-repayable funding for its flagship hydrogen projects—Green H2 and Hydrogen Eagle. The grants, awarded under the country’s post-Covid National Recovery Plan and administered by state development bank BGK, represent the largest allocation in a broader PLN 2.74 billion ($738 million) package targeting green hydrogen development.

The funding will support the installation of large-scale electrolysis systems powered by renewable energy and the use of municipal waste as a hydrogen feedstock. These projects are central to Orlen’s strategy to build 0.9GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2035, with 0.7GW planned within Poland.

“Our strategy through 2035 is not a slogan. It’s a commitment,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO of Orlen S.A. “Funding from the National Recovery Plan will enable us to expand and scale up hydrogen production infrastructure more efficiently, reinforcing both the domestic and European hydrogen supply networks.”

Gdańsk Refinery Project Anchors Green H2

Green H2 is led by LOTOS Green H2, a special-purpose company within the Orlen Group. The project will install a 100MW electrolyzer at the Gdańsk refinery, supported by an integrated energy storage system. Hydrogen produced at the site will be used to decarbonize fuel production and reduce emissions in Orlen’s core refining operations.

The project also ties into Orlen VC’s investment in Norwegian electrolyzer manufacturer Hystar. The partnership is expected to supply high-efficiency PEM technology to support large-scale, zero-emission hydrogen production across Orlen’s portfolio.

Hydrogen Eagle Targets Mobility and Heavy Industry

Hydrogen Eagle focuses on building distributed hydrogen production from renewables and municipal waste. Its goal is to supply clean hydrogen to the transport and industrial sectors while laying the foundation for a domestic and cross-border hydrogen supply network.

The project is designed to support both local demand and future hydrogen exports, depending on the development of maritime infrastructure for large-scale imports and distribution.

Other Companies Receive Smaller Allocations

The remaining PLN 1 billion in grants went to smaller hydrogen projects. Polenergia received PLN 618 million for its H2Silesia project, which will install 105MW of electrolyzer capacity. State utility Tauron secured PLN 133 million for a 20MW electrolyzer at its Jaworzno coal plant, focused on hydrogen for transport.

Bioethanol producer Bioagra and medical device firm Promet-Plast were awarded PLN 128 million and PLN 123 million, respectively. Two other approved companies have not disclosed project details.