Polish oil and gas company PGNiG has expanded its hydrogen development project through a new partnership with Toyota Motor Poland, Kallanish Energy reports.

The two companies will cooperate on the advancement of hydrogen technologies in Poland, including the construction of a new pilot hydrogen refuelling station.

PGNiG’s hydrogen research programme, which was launched in May this year, aims to establish a “coherent chain of hydrogen capabilities” within the next 2-3 years. The program will facilitate the production of hydrogen, including green hydrogen using renewable energy sources, hydrogen storage and distribution, and industrial applications.

The agreement between PGNiG and Toyota, described as “two entities actively involved in the development of the Polish Hydrogen Strategy”, intends to introduce hydrogen as a clean energy source for zero-emission fuel cell automotive vehicles.

Part of the programme incorporates the construction and operation of a hydrogen refuelling station in the Wola district of Wroclaw.  An agreement between the firm and a consortium of Polish and UK-based firms has already been reached for the design and construction of the facility.

“The launch of a pilot hydrogen refuelling station will be PGNiG’s first step in the implementation of the Group’s hydrogen programme. In testing the station we will work with Toyota, a partner with a strong reputation in the automotive industry and a leading manufacturer of hydrogen-powered vehicles,” said president of PGNiG, Jerzy Kwieciński.

PGNiG’s hydrogen project is part of its ongoing diversification towards renewable energy. In June this year the company announced plans to invest up to $1.02 billion in wind and solar photovoltaic projects, in addition to its hydrogen strategy.

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