The ORLEN Group has secured over PLN 1.7 billion in non-repayable funding from Poland’s National Recovery Plan (KPO) to advance two of its flagship hydrogen initiatives: Green H2 and Hydrogen Eagle. The grant marks a significant milestone in ORLEN’s strategic drive to scale up hydrogen production from renewable energy and municipal waste, reinforcing its position as a key player in the European energy transition.
The funding, allocated under Measure B2.1.1 of the National Recovery Plan – focused on hydrogen technologies, production, storage, and transport – will be used to accelerate the development of electrolysis-based hydrogen capacity and expand infrastructure for low-emission hydrogen derived from municipal waste.
“‘The Energy of Tomorrow Starts Today’ is more than a slogan – it’s our commitment to the future,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the Management Board and CEO of ORLEN S.A. “The nearly PLN 2 billion we’ve secured for Hydrogen Eagle and Green H2 will significantly advance our hydrogen production capabilities and help build a stronger, greener hydrogen supply network in Poland and across Europe.”
Building a 0.9 GW Green Hydrogen Portfolio by 2035
Hydrogen development is a central pillar of ORLEN’s 2035 strategy, with plans to scale up electrolysis capacity to 0.9 GW, including 0.7 GW within Poland. The remainder will be met through the import of hydrogen and its derivatives, depending on the future availability of port infrastructure.
Hydrogen Eagle: From Renewables and Waste to Clean Fuel
The Hydrogen Eagle programme is a multi-faceted capital investment initiative aimed at producing both renewable and low-emission hydrogen. The project will tap into renewable energy sources and municipal waste through waste-to-hydrogen technologies. It also supports the development of European hydrogen infrastructure and contributes to decarbonisation through CO₂ emissions reduction.
Green H2: Powering Refinery Decarbonisation
Led by LOTOS Green H2, a special-purpose entity within the ORLEN Group, the Green H2 project is focused on delivering renewable hydrogen to the Gdańsk refinery, supporting emissions reduction in ORLEN’s fuel production processes. The project includes the installation of a 100 MW electrolyser and an integrated energy storage system, representing a significant step toward fully decarbonised refining operations.
Recently, ORLEN VC, the Group’s venture capital arm, invested in Hystar, a Norwegian manufacturer of high-efficiency PEM electrolysers. The partnership provides ORLEN with access to cutting-edge electrolysis technology to further enhance the efficiency and scale of its hydrogen operations.
A Strong Signal for the Energy Transition
The grants were awarded under the third round of the National Recovery Plan’s hydrogen funding scheme, administered by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK). The programme aims to rebuild economic growth and improve national competitiveness through strategic investments in clean energy.
With this new funding boost, ORLEN is positioned to significantly contribute to Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and accelerate Poland’s shift toward a low-carbon energy economy.
