Hungarian oil company MOL has announced the start of production at the largest green hydrogen plant in Central and Eastern Europe, located at the Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta. This achievement is a milestone in the region’s efforts to make the transition to clean energy and reduce carbon emissions in the energy and industrial sectors.
Factory capacity and production
The new 10-megawatt green hydrogen plant will produce 1,600 tons of green hydrogen annually. This hydrogen, which is completely carbon-neutral, will be used mainly for fuel production, a major innovation for the energy industry in Central and Eastern Europe. This initiative underlines MOL’s ambition to become a key player in the transition to green energy in the context of the global pressure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and adopt sustainable solutions.
Reducing carbon emissions
By using the green hydrogen produced at this plant, the Danube refinery will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25,000 tons per year, an amount comparable to the emissions produced by about 5,400 cars in a year. This represents a significant contribution to reducing the company’s carbon footprint and meeting regional and European sustainability targets. Green hydrogen is considered a key element in the fight against climate change because it is produced by electrolysis, a process powered by renewable energy such as solar or wind power, which breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen without emitting carbon dioxide. Unlike ‘grey’ hydrogen, which is made from natural gas and generates CO2 emissions, green hydrogen is completely emission-neutral, making it an ideal solution for decarbonizing heavy industrial sectors.
Impact on the fuel industry
MOL’s green hydrogen plant plays a crucial role in transforming traditional refineries into a more sustainable model. Instead of relying on traditional fossil energy sources for fuel production, MOL will use green hydrogen to power industrial processes, thus helping to reduce environmental impact. This initiative is in line with European climate targets, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Green hydrogen is seen as a promising solution for sectors where full electrification is difficult, such as oil refining, steel production and heavy transportation.
MOL and the commitment to sustainability
MOL, a company with a long tradition in the oil industry, is taking important steps towards diversifying energy sources and adopting green technologies. The Százhalombatta plant is part of the company’s wider energy transition plan, which also includes investments in renewable energy and carbon capture and storage projects. This project signals a strategic shift for MOL and the energy industry in the region. As sustainability requirements become increasingly stringent globally, oil companies in Central and Eastern Europe are under pressure to adapt their business models to new market realities and environmental needs.
The future of green hydrogen in Europe
MOL’s green hydrogen plant is not only the largest in Central and Eastern Europe, but also a pioneering example for other companies in the region. In a world of growing demand for clean energy, green hydrogen offers a versatile and efficient solution for decarbonizing heavy industries and transport, two sectors that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In the long term, MOL has the potential to become a leader in the production and use of green hydrogen, not only in Europe but also globally. The Százhalombatta project is an important first step towards achieving this goal, and its success will certainly lead to further investments in this innovative field. The production of green hydrogen at MOL’s Százhalombatta plant marks a crucial moment in the energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe. With a capacity of 10 megawatts and an annual production of 1,600 tons of green hydrogen, the plant will make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting a sustainable fuel production model. MOL’s initiative is a clear example of how traditional oil companies can embrace innovation and play an active role in combating climate change, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable energy industry.