Polish state-owned energy company develops hydrogen fueling facility
Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG) has started work on projects looking to use hydrogen for automotive applications and power generation. The company will explore the possibilities of storing and transmitting hydrogen through the gas network, and in the future it plans to launch commercial hydrogen sales and related services. Moreover, it has just signed a contract for the design and construction of an experimental hydrogen refueling station.
Hydrogen – Clean Fuel for the Future is PGNiG’s new comprehensive hydrogen program consisting of several projects ranging from ‘green hydrogen’ production, through hydrogen storage and distribution, to industrial power generation applications. PGNiG plans to spend in excess of PLN 31m on research under the new program over the next four years.
“In line with previously announced plans, we have taken steps enabling gradual diversification of the PGNiG Group’s business. We are set to build new hydrogen capabilities. We aim to expand our range to generate revenue from sales of a new fuel and related services and to help increase overall sales of gaseous fuels by PGNiG,” said Jerzy Kwieciński, President of the PGNiG Management Board. “By implementing the hydrogen projects in the pipeline, we will contribute to expanding the market for alternative fuels and thus will contribute to Poland’s fulfillment of EU climate policy goals.”
The most advanced project is Hydra Tank, comprising an experimental hydrogen refueling station. PGNiG has already signed a contract with a consortium of Polish- and UK-based companies to design and build the station. Slated for launch in 2021, the facility will be located in the Wola District of Warsaw, in the vicinity of the existing CNG filling station.
“The initial period of operation will be a pilot test for PGNiG, combined with research work,” said Arkadiusz Sekściński, Vice President of the PGNiG Management Board for Development. “We want hydrogen to complement PGNiG’s existing range of fuels, including CNG and LNG, to drive advancement of gas mobility in Poland.”
PGNiG has started investigating the possibility of storing and transmitting hydrogen using the natural gas network. A ‘green hydrogen’ production facility is to be built by the company’s branch in Odolanów under the InGrid – Power to Gas project. It is scheduled to come on stream in 2022. PGNiG intends to use electricity generated by photovoltaic panels for the purpose of the project.
“The new hydrogen program is one example of PGNiG’s shift towards green energy. Over the next two to three years we want to create a coherent chain of hydrogen capabilities, enabling further growth in this field,” added Kwieciński.
