OMV Petrom signs PNRR financing for two green hydrogen production projects at Petrobrazi refinery

OMV Petrom announces the signing of two PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) financing contracts for the construction of two green hydrogen production capacities with a total capacity of 55 MW at Petrobrazi refinery. The contracts were signed with the Ministry of Energy for a maximum financing amount of 50 million euros. The value of the total investment is about 140 million euros.

Christina Verchere, OMV Petrom CEO: “Through the 2030 Strategy, we are committed to supporting the energy transition in Romania and the region, with investments of about 11 billion euros by the end of this decade, of which about 35 percent will support low- and zero-carbon projects. We have made great strides in renewables and electro-mobility projects, and with this project we are adding hydrogen to our portfolio of low-carbon projects.”

Radu Caprau, member of OMV Petrom’s Executive Board, responsible for Refining and Marketing: “We are proud to be among the first producers of green hydrogen in Romania. Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, is a viable solution for a low-carbon future. By developing these projects in Petrobrazi we are taking important steps towards a sustainable refining activity.”

The projects aim to build two water electrolysis plants of 35 MW and 20 MW within Petrobrazi refinery. The entire process will be powered by renewable energy, therefore carbon-free, allowing the hydrogen obtained to be classified as green hydrogen.

The annual amount of green hydrogen that will be produced under the two projects has been estimated at about 8 kilotons.

The integration of green hydrogen into green fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuel and biodiesel, will lead to a reduction of at least 70 percent in CO2 emissions compared to conventional fuels.

Currently, the projects are in the design phase, aiming for the final investment decision in 2024.