In April, MOL Group inaugurated its new Százhalombatta plant, which produces approximately 1,600 tonnes of clean, carbon-neutral green hydrogen annually using a 10-megawatt electrolysis unit developed by Plug Power.

Source: MOL Group

Preparatory tasks for initiating production were completed, including essential pressure tests, inspections of the process control system, integration of the electrolytic cells into the system, and activation of the water treatment system.

Plug Power's electrolysis technology harnesses electricity from renewable sources to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process generates no harmful by-products, and the plant produces 8-9 tonnes of pure oxygen for every tonne of hydrogen created. Plug Power has provided MOL with innovative and dependable technology, with hydrogen generators optimized for pure hydrogen production, boasting nearly 50 years of operational experience.

Green hydrogen is a clean and versatile energy source that we currently use for fuel production to reduce our carbon dioxide footprint, and according to our plans, soon it can be directly used in the transportation sector as well. Production and use of green hydrogen helps the green energy transition in an innovative way, which is a fundamental goal of MOL’s strategy. After Százhalombatta, we are planning similar plants in Bratislava and Rijeka of which the latter can commence operations in 2026

With an investment of EUR 22 million, the new plant is set to decrease the carbon footprint of the Danube Refinery by over 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. This new technology will progressively replace the natural gas-based production methods, which currently contribute to one-sixth of MOL Group's total carbon dioxide emissions.