VETNI: the first solid oxide electrolyser( SOE) integrated into a refining process
The VETNI project marks a significant step forward in the deployment of solid oxide electrolysis( SOE) for low-emission hydrogen production. By integrating a first-of-its-kind SOE installation with a working refinery, the initiative showcases the feasibility of coupling advanced electrolysis with existing industrial infrastructure. Developed by a Polish consortium of industry and research partners, the project demonstrates not only technical innovation but also effective collaboration and the potential for broader application in hard-to-abate sectors.
By Marek Laskowski and Nikodem Kaim, ORLEN S. A.; Jakub Kupecki and Marek Skrzypkiewicz, Institute of Power Engineering – National Research Institute( IEN-PIB); and Konrad Świerczek, AGH University of Krakow
Introduction
In December 2023, a key milestone was reached with the completion of a hydrogen production system based on a solid oxide electrolyser( SOE) entirely developed and built in Poland. The project was initiated by LOTOS Group( now ORLEN), the Institute of Power Engineering( now the Institute of Power Engineering – National Research Institute, IEN-PIB), and AGH University of Krakow. The project team pursued two primary goals.
The first was the development, construction, and verification of a first-of-a-kind installation featuring SOE technology. This approach enables the production of low- and zero-emission hydrogen with the highest efficiency among currently available electrolyser types. The ability to thermally integrate SOEs with various processes increases the utilisation of process heat and system compactness, making this solution particularly attractive for the power sector and energy-intensive industries,
22 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 22 | June 2025