That was the goal the oil refiner and petrol retailer set itself on Wednesday (Feb 2) with the launch of its PLN 7.4bn ($1.8bn) group hydrogen strategy, which focuses on developments in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Based around the four pillars of mobility refining and petrochemicals, research and development and industry and energy, the strategy will support Orlen Group’s transformation into a carbon-neutral multi-utility group.

Daniel Obajtek, President of the PKN ORLEN Management Board, said, “We need to maximise profits and dynamically grow our new business lines to drive our transformation into a multi-utility group. This is the only way we can effectively respond to the challenges facing the fuel and energy sector.

“By 2030, we plan to invest over PLN 7bn ($1.8bn) in projects ensuring nearly half of the hydrogen produced by the ORLEN Group will be low- and zero-carbon. This would help us reduce CO2 emissions by 1.6 million tonnes.

“We already have strong capabilities in developing hydrogen technologies, backed by our vast experience in the field. And the implementation of our hydrogen strategy will position us as a partner of choice in building a hydrogen economy in Central and Eastern Europe.”

Already the Orlen Group has taken steps to use hydrogen in urban public transport and rail transport by signing letters of intent to collaborate with 17 municipalities and four companies in Poland as potential customers.

Under moves it is targeting for the near future, Orlen Group said it will develop hydrogen technology for industry and energy generation and place a strong focus on research and development to help execute plans outlined in its strategy.