Poland’s Orlen Group has secured €390 million in grant funding for two of its flagship hydrogen initiatives, as the company accelerates investment in low-emission and renewable hydrogen production.
The funding, equivalent to PLN 1.7 billion, has been awarded under Poland’s National Recovery Plan and will support Orlen’s Green H2 and Hydrogen Eagle programmes. The grants are non-repayable and aimed at boosting domestic hydrogen infrastructure and decarbonisation efforts.
“The Energy of Tomorrow Starts Today – that is the title of our strategy through 2035,” said Orlen CEO Ireneusz Fąfara. “For us, it is more than a slogan – it is a firm commitment and a belief we uphold. That is why we are already investing in the development of our hydrogen capabilities.”
The company said the funding will be used to produce renewable hydrogen through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, as well as low-emission hydrogen derived from municipal waste. These efforts form part of Orlen’s broader strategy to position hydrogen as a core pillar in its transition to cleaner energy sources.
“The nearly PLN 2 billion secured for the Hydrogen Eagle and Green H2 projects will accelerate progress in the hydrogen segment,” Fąfara added. “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.”
The Hydrogen Eagle programme focuses on developing a diversified portfolio of renewable and low-emission hydrogen production, including the use of waste-to-hydrogen technologies. It also aims to strengthen European hydrogen infrastructure while contributing to emissions reduction.
Green H2 is managed by LOTOS Green H2, a subsidiary within the Orlen Group, and targets renewable hydrogen production for internal use at the company’s Gdańsk refinery. The project involves the installation of a 100-megawatt electrolyser, supported by an integrated energy storage system.
Orlen has set a strategic target of reaching 0.9GW of electrolysis-based hydrogen production capacity by 2035, with around 0.7GW to be located in Poland. The remainder is expected to be imported, subject to the development of hydrogen import infrastructure.
The group recently strengthened its technology capabilities by investing through its corporate venture fund Orlen VC in Hystar, a manufacturer of high-efficiency PEM electrolysers for zero-emission hydrogen production.
Orlen’s hydrogen roadmap is part of Poland’s broader energy transition agenda, supported by EU-backed recovery funding and aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of heavy industry and transport.
