MOL has commenced production at the largest green hydrogen plant in Central and Eastern Europe, located at its Százhalombatta refinery in Hungary. The facility, featuring a 10-megawatt electrolysis unit, is set to produce 1,600 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, contributing significantly to MOL’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint. The green hydrogen produced will primarily be used in MOL’s fuel production processes, helping to cut the Danube Refinery’s carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 tonnes per year—the equivalent of the annual emissions of approximately 5,400 cars.
This project is a major step in line with MOL Group’s SHAPE TOMORROW strategy, which aims to enhance sustainability, competitiveness, and self-sufficiency in the region.
Innovative Technology for Clean Hydrogen Production
The new green hydrogen plant utilizes Plug Power’s state-of-the-art electrolysis technology, which harnesses electricity from renewable sources to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process produces zero harmful by-products and generates 8-9 tonnes of pure oxygen per tonne of hydrogen produced. The technology provided by Plug Power, a U.S.-based company with nearly 50 years of operational experience in hydrogen production, ensures reliability and efficiency in creating clean, carbon-neutral hydrogen.
“Green hydrogen is a clean and versatile energy source that we currently use for fuel production to reduce our carbon dioxide footprint. In the near future, we also plan to integrate green hydrogen into the transportation sector,” said Ádám Horváth, Vice President of New and Sustainable Businesses at MOL Group. “This innovative approach supports the green energy transition, which is a fundamental goal of MOL’s strategy. Following the success of the Százhalombatta plant, we are planning similar facilities in Bratislava and Rijeka, with the latter expected to begin operations in 2026.”
Reducing Carbon Emissions and Supporting Sustainability Goals
The EUR 22 million investment in the Százhalombatta plant is expected to significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with MOL’s operations. By replacing the current natural gas-based hydrogen production process—responsible for one-sixth of MOL Group’s total emissions—the new technology will play a crucial role in lowering the company’s carbon footprint. The project underscores MOL’s commitment to driving sustainability in the energy sector and advancing the use of green hydrogen as a key component in the global energy transition.
With this project, MOL is positioning itself as a leader in green hydrogen production in Central and Eastern Europe, while also contributing to broader environmental and decarbonization goals in the region.
