ORLEN's Strategic Investment in Hystar's Innovative Electrolysers
Key Ideas
  • ORLEN VC invests in Hystar, a Norwegian manufacturer of high-efficiency proton-exchange-membrane electrolysers for large-scale hydrogen production.
  • Hystar's innovative design with ultra-thin membranes promises to significantly improve efficiency and lower hydrogen generation costs.
  • The investment aims to support ORLEN's hydrogen portfolio, with Hystar expecting an annual production capacity of 1.5 GW by 2027.
  • Hystar's modular electrolysers, certified to ISO standards, allow for scalable production and customization, with plans to expand to 4.5 GW/year by 2031.
ORLEN Venture Capital has made a strategic investment in Hystar, a Norwegian company specializing in advanced proton-exchange-membrane electrolysers for zero-emission hydrogen production on a large scale. Hystar's unique design, employing membranes up to ten times thinner than conventional units, is set to revolutionize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen generation. This aligns perfectly with ORLEN's energy-transition strategy, focusing on renewable hydrogen production. The investment not only provides access to cutting-edge technology but also facilitates collaboration in technology development and implementation. By 2027, Hystar aims to reach an annual production capacity of 1.5 GW of high-efficiency membrane electrolysers. With plans to enhance production capacity to 4.5 GW/year by 2031, Hystar's scalable and customizable electrolysers are poised to meet industrial demands effectively. The EUR 26 million grant secured by Hystar from the European Innovation Fund, along with venture capital funding, including ORLEN VC's commitment, ensures the development of automated production lines. ORLEN VC's investment in Hystar reflects its strategic focus on high-potential companies driving innovation aligned with ORLEN's long-term goals.
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