ORLEN Venture Capital has made an investment in Hystar, a Norwegian manufacturer specializing in high-efficiency proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) electrolysers for large-scale hydrogen production. Hystar's unique patented design incorporates membranes up to ten times thinner than traditional units, significantly boosting efficiency and reducing hydrogen generation costs. This aligns well with ORLEN Group's strategy to produce and deploy renewable hydrogen as part of its broader energy transition efforts. The investment aims to facilitate the annual production of 1.5 GW of high-efficiency membrane electrolysers by 2027, supporting ORLEN's goal of utilizing 350,000 tons of renewable and low-emission hydrogen annually by 2035. Hystar's technology, which includes 0.65 MW membrane stacks and turnkey 5 MW electrolysers, has been well-received, with commercial deliveries initiated in 2022. The company's modular approach allows for customized installations, and with the introduction of an automated production line in 2027, Hystar anticipates reaching 4.5 GW annual capacity by 2031. European Innovation Fund's EUR 26 million grant, as well as ORLEN VC's investment, have been pivotal in supporting Hystar's growth and operational needs until 2027. ORLEN VC's backing marks its thirteenth direct investment and underscores its commitment to fostering innovative technologies in line with ORLEN Group's strategic objectives.