"We believe that Romania has significant potential for the development of green energy projects, and the funds available to finance these projects open opportunities for the economic growth of the country. By the 2030 Strategy, we are committed to supporting the energy transition in Romania and in the region, with investments of around €11 billion until the end of this decade, out of which approximately 35% will support low and zero carbon projects", says Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom.

The project involves putting into operation, within the Petrobrazi refinery, a capacity of 20 MW for hydrogen production by water electrolysis. The entire process will be powered by renewable energy. This means that no CO2 emissions will be generated from the use of energy during water electrolysis when the separation of oxygen and hydrogen molecules happens.

“Green hydrogen opens new opportunities for a low carbon emissions economy. It will play an important role in decarbonizing refineries and in sustainable transportation, whether we speak about road, railway, or air transport, being one of the solutions for the mobility of the future. We estimate that the hydrogen demand will increase significantly in Romania, especially in the next decade. We believe OMV Petrom has the opportunity to become the main integrated player in Romania's hydrogen market”, says Radu Căprău, member of the OMV Petrom Executive Board, responsible for Refining and Marketing.

The integration of the obtained green hydrogen will lead to a reduction of at least 70% of the CO2 emissions along the entire production value chain of sustainable fuels compared to conventional fuels.

In the next period, the company will start the public tender for the purchase of the electrolyzer, with the final investment decision to be made in 2024. Completion of the works is estimated for 2025.