[ case study ]
devices was also analysed. The results confirmed that the energy consumption in hydrogen production remained within expected limits, i. e., not exceeding 45 kWh / kg of H 2
.
In the final R & D phase, the team established the operational characteristics required for stable system performance. A research cycle was conducted that resulted in the cumulative production of over 0.5 tonnes of hydrogen – equivalent to nearly 20 MWh of energy. This included continuous operation of the installation without modulation of the electrolyser’ s electrical input, using power from renewable energy sources. Throughout the R & D work, process parameters were measured, demonstrating the stable and safe operation of the SOE electrolyser.
As a result of this R & D work, a solution was created that consumes less electricity to produce 1 kg of hydrogen than currently commercially available technologies. Furthermore, transitioning from a laboratory-scale unit to a fully integrated industrial facility provided valuable knowledge and experience for scaling and further developing solid oxide electrolysers.
Summary
The implementation of the VETNI project marks the next stage in the development of solid oxide electrolysers, based on technology developed by IEN-PIB and recently advanced in collaboration with AGH. The installation in Jasło is a 30 kW-class demonstrator operating in an industrial setting, which meets all formal and legal requirements, including the most stringent industrial safety regulations and the expected functionality. The operational experience gained through this project has significantly expanded the knowledge acquired during the development of the HYDROGIN installation at EC Elbląg – the first demonstrator of energy storage through hydrogen production and use, based on solid oxide electrochemical cells operated reversibly( rSOC) in both electrolysis and fuel cell modes.
The unique knowledge gained in the VETNI project forms the foundation for the subsequent projects led by IEN – PIB and ORLEN, aiming to build SOE systems with capacities of 400 kW and 5 MW. The use of solid oxide electrolysers as highefficiency hydrogen production units supports the decarbonisation of various sectors and contributes to the development of low- and zeroemission technologies for the broader economy.
Acknowledgments
The project was implemented by a consortium comprising ORLEN S. A.( project leader), Institute of Power Engineering – National Research Institute, and AGH University of Krakow. It was cofinanced by the European Union under the Smart Growth Operational Program 2014 – 2020, Measure 1.1‘ R & D projects of enterprises,’ Sub-measure 1.1.1‘ Industrial research and development work carried out by enterprises’( Fast Track, call 1 / 1.1.1 / 2021).
The authors acknowledge the involvement and commitment of the entire project team: ORLEN S. A.: Emilia Berska, Krzysztof Gosz, Marek Majewski, Sylwia Pawlak, Janusz Wijtiwiak. Center for Hydrogen Technologies, Institute of Power Engineering – National Research Institute: Leszek Ajdys, Maciej Bąkała, Marcin Błesznowski, Paweł Boguszewicz, Dominik Borowiec, Aleksandra Gerwatowska, Anna Głuszczyk, Marek Grabowy, Weronika Grądalska, Stanisław Jagielski, Ryszard Kluczowski, Dawid Kojder, Magdalena Kosiorek, Mariusz Krauz, Monika Łazor, Krystian Machaj, Katsiaryna Martsinchyk, Konrad Motyliński, Yevgeniy Naumovich, Anna Niemczyk, Piotr Ostrowski, Michał Wierzbicki, Agnieszka Żurawska. AGH University of Krakow: Agnieszka Brzoza-Kos, Juliusz Dąbrowa, Keyun Li, Maria Szymczak, Piotr Winiarz, Kun Zheng.
26 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 22 | June 2025