Polenergia SA, one of Poland’s top private energy players, just scored big. The company land a massive €142.77 million non-repayable grant from Poland’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (KPO). That cash is going straight into building out its flagship H2Silesia hydrogen production facility in Upper Silesia — a move that could be a real game-changer for the country’s clean energy push.

H2Silesia isn’t just another green energy project — it’s a bold pivot for a region that’s long been associated with coal and heavy industry. Upper Silesia, in southeastern Poland, is home to around 4.5 million people and has historically been one of Europe’s biggest carbon emitters. But with this project, Polenergia is putting the area on the map as a future leader in green hydrogen and industrial decarbonization.

Right now, Polenergia is the only company in Poland that’s part of the European Commission’s Hy2Infra programme, a central piece of the EU’s hydrogen roadmap. That’s no small feat. It shows Poland isn’t just along for the ride — it’s stepping up to help drive the hydrogen movement in Europe.

The funding, greenlit by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), doesn’t just offer financial security. It also gives the project access to the highest levels of public aid allowed under EU rules. That kind of support clearly signals Brussels’ confidence in the project’s role in Europe’s green transition.

Here’s why the market’s paying attention:

 Financing that works: With public funding covering a big chunk, the project becomes much more attractive to private investors.

Real demand is there: Industries like steelmaking, ammonia production, and heavy transport are actively seeking clean hydrogen solutions.

Policy is on their side: Both the EU and Poland are pushing hard for decarbonization — and hydrogen is a big part of the plan.

With 105 MW of capacity, the plant won’t just serve domestic users. It puts Poland on the radar as a serious exporter too. This marks a big step forward in the country’s clean energy ambitions and gives it a seat at the European hydrogen table.

The plant will use 105 MW of electrolyzer capacity, powered by renewable sources like wind and solar, to produce up to 13,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year. The goal: fuel hard-to-decarbonize industries and kickstart emission-free transport — all from the heart of coal country.

Poland’s largest hydrogen facility to date, cementing Polenergia as a major player in the sector.

€142.77 million in grant funding eliminates massive financing roadblocks and keeps momentum moving.

Strategic location: 

Upper Silesia is not just symbolic — it’s practical. 

The region needs new clean energy jobs and supply chains to replace coal, and this plant delivers both.

13,000 tonnes of annual hydrogen production could make a serious dent in emissions for local heavy industry and transport.

The impact goes well beyond energy. This project is about building a future-focused economy. It’ll create skilled jobs, boost the regional supply chain, and offer training for workers transitioning out of fossil fuel industries — all while helping Poland hit its climate targets.