Croatian oil company INA has completed the installation of solar panels at its Rijeka refinery, a milestone in the development of Croatia’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen facility. The company said construction and installation work for the 11 MW solar power plant was finalized at the end of June. The works were carried out under initial requirements linked to a €15 million grant agreement financed through Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Solar-to-hydrogen setup for electrolyser supply
The solar plant is designed to provide renewable electricity to an electrolyser that will produce green hydrogen. This arrangement is described as the core of the new production system. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate around 1,500 tons of hydrogen annually, with output intended for both market supply and internal refinery processes.
Mechanical installation of the solar system has been finished, and the project has moved into its final commissioning phase. That phase includes technical testing and system validation before full operation begins. Installation of the electrolyser is continuing in parallel, with completion planned by the end of 2026.
Contracting and investment for INA’s green hydrogen facility
The project delivery is handled by Croatian engineering company Končar, acting as main contractor. Total investment for the initiative is stated at approximately €61 million.
INA CEO Zsuzsanna Ortutay described the initiative as one of the company’s flagship sustainability projects. She said the green hydrogen facility is intended to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving refinery efficiency, and supporting development of Croatia’s emerging hydrogen economy.
