Opportunities for hydrogen in the Polish energy transition

In an exclusive interview at Enlit Europe, Radosław Gnutek, Director of Hydrogen Development at Polenergia S.A., spoke about hydrogen development and opportunities for the energy transition in Europe with a focus on Poland.

Gnutek believes that decarbonisation as the core of the energy transition hinges on electrification. "Energy transition is all about decarbonising our industry, which in principle means we need to electrify as much as possible."

In the case of Poland, he comments that with its 70% dependence on coal, the country faces a big task. Yet, amidst the challenge lies opportunity.

"So there is a massive opportunity to reduce the amount of coal in the mix. Especially that looking forward, it is expected that 50% of electricity will be provided by renewable assets in Poland in 2040..."

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However, Gnutek notes that there are limitations regarding electrification, especially in an industry like steel production.

"You need a very high-temperature heat source to produce steel. And you also need a reducing agent. Until now, it was carbon, which was capturing oxygen atoms."

This is where hydrogen steps in.

Gnutek envisions it as a potent substitute, eliminating carbon emissions. Its potential extends beyond steel, offering a green alternative to the carbon-intensive clinker production process in cement manufacturing. Furthermore, combining hydrogen with captured CO2 can pave the way for cleaner fuels in sectors like aviation, a notoriously difficult area to decarbonise.

So, how can one tap into this hydrogen economy? Gnutek identifies Poland, with its EU-mandated shift towards green hydrogen, as a prime example. Poland produces 1 million tonnes of grey hydrogen every year and with the EU targets in place, 42% of this needs to be turned into green hydrogen.

To hear more about hydrogen opportunities in Poland, watch the video.