PKN ORLEN has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Alstom for the supply of zero-emission, eco-friendly trains and H₂ fuel for public rail transport. The corporation, which is consistently implementing the H₂ strategy, announced earlier this year, that it will provide the refueling infrastructure for trains produced by Alstom. The first H₂ vehicles are likely to roll out on regional lines within two years.

“We are effectively implementing our hydrogen strategy, which supports our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. By 2030, we intend to allocate about PLN $7.5 B into investments. This will translate into a reduction of 1.6 MMt of CO₂ emissions and, most importantly, an increase in Poland's energy security. Cooperation with Alstom is another important step that will strengthen our position as a regional leader in hydrogen technologies,” said Daniel Obajtek, President of the PKN ORLEN Management Board.

Under the agreement, Alstom will cooperate with PKN ORLEN in participating in proceedings organized by public rail transport operators. Alstom will be responsible for the supply of zero-emission trains powered by H₂ fuel cells. In turn, PKN ORLEN will be responsible for the distribution, storage and supply of H₂ fuel for these trains.

“Alstom is a pioneer in developing hydrogen technology for rail transport. In 2018, we were the world's first manufacturer to put the Coradia iLint hydrogen train into commercial service. Cooperation with PKN ORLEN will allow us to more effectively realize our ambition of technological leadership in rail transport, as well as Poland's ambition as one of the key countries where hydrogen technologies are being developed and implemented. The main motivation for working on hydrogen technologies is the need to look for emission-free energy sources, also in transport. Increasing zero-emission rail traffic means less pollution and lower CO₂ emissions,” said Artur Fryczkowski, Vice-President and Head of Sales and Business Development of Alstom in Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic States.