As of the end of June, all civil engineering and installation works on the solar power plant at the refinery site have been completed, marking the mechanical completion of one of the project's key components in the development of the green hydrogen production facility.

This milestone also fulfils the initial contractual obligations under the €15 million co-financing agreement secured through Croatia's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). With an installed capacity of 11 MW, the photovoltaic power plant will generate renewable electricity to power the electrolyser used for green hydrogen production. Prior to commissioning, the plant will undergo final testing, and all required technical verification activities. Installation of the electrolyser is also progressing, with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Today, members of INA's Management Board, led by President of the Management Board Zsuzsanna Ortutay, together with representatives of KONČAR, headed by President of the Management Board Gordan Kolak, visited the construction site at the Rijeka Refinery. KONČAR is the project's main contractor, with the total investment valued at approximately €61 million.

"The renewable hydrogen project is one of our key strategic investments, laying the foundations for the development of new sustainable energy solutions. This milestone represents an important step towards the successful delivery of a project that will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the sustainability of our refining operations, and creating new opportunities for the development of Croatia's green hydrogen market. I am particularly pleased that we are delivering this project in cooperation with Croatian partners," said Zsuzsanna Ortutay, President of the Management Board of INA.

“We are proud that KONČAR, as Croatia’s leading technology and engineering company, is contributing to the implementation of the region’s first commercial green hydrogen production plant and one of the most significant energy projects in Croatia. The completion of the first phase of the project is a testament to the expertise and dedication of all the teams involved, as well as to the successful partnership between KONČAR and INA on an initiative that is setting new standards in the deployment of sustainable energy technologies. This is yet another confirmation that Croatian expertise, experience and industrial capabilities are fully capable of meeting the most demanding challenges of the energy transition,” said Gordan Kolak, President of the Management Board of KONČAR.

The facility is expected to produce approximately 1,500 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, with the first molecules scheduled to be produced in 2027. Upon completion, the green hydrogen will be supplied to the market, primarily for use in the transport sector, while also supporting the refining processes at the Rijeka Refinery.

Photo source: INA