Orlen Secures $459M for Massive Green Hydrogen Rollout, Cementing Poland’s Energy Transition

Poland’s biggest energy player, Orlen, got the green light for a huge boost in funding — PLN 1.7 billion ($459 million) in non-repayable grants to ramp up its green hydrogen efforts. This isn’t just pocket change; it’s a serious push to grow clean energy production, with a spotlight on two major projects aiming to reshape the region’s future.

Big Plans in Gdańsk and Beyond

The cash injection will power the Green H2 project in Gdańsk, which includes the construction of a 100 MW electrolysis plant. Alongside that, the ambitious Hydrogen Eagle initiative is set to build out 250 MW of electrolysis capacity across Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Together, these projects aim to deliver up to 50,000 tonnes of hydrogen each year by 2030, a huge leap forward for hydrogen production in the region.

Government Support & High-Tech Solutions

Backed by the Polish government through its National Recovery Plan and facilitated by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, this move lines up perfectly with the EU’s climate ambitions under RED III. The projects will feature high-tech solutions like PEM electrolysers and innovative waste-to-hydrogen systems — technologies that are not only clean but also scalable for the kind of energy transition Europe’s pushing for.

Fueling the Future: 111 Hydrogen Stations

But Orlen isn’t stopping at production. They’re also building out a hydrogen infrastructure, starting with a network of 111 hydrogen refuelling stations across Central Europe. It’s a key piece of the puzzle for making industrial decarbonization a reality — and a bold move to ensure that hydrogen fuel is actually within reach of transport fleets and businesses alike.

All in all, this is a major leap forward for Poland’s transition away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable energy future. With Orlen leading the charge, green hydrogen is set to become a real player in Central Europe’s clean energy game.