Hydrogen in Polish Transport: Diagnosis, Challenges, and Recommendations for 2025. New PSNM Report

PSNM_Stan_Implementacji_Technologii_Wodorowych_w_Sektorze_Transportu_2025-3.pdf

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The energy transition is happening before our eyes, and hydrogen is becoming one of the key pillars of decarbonization, especially in sectors that are difficult to electrify. We are proud to present the findings of the latest report "State of Implementation of Hydrogen Technologies in the Transport Sector 2025", prepared by the Polish Association of New Mobility (PSNM). The publication was created with the substantive support of Hydrogen Poland experts, including Żaneta Kłostowska, who, in her opening remarks, emphasizes the critical role of cooperation and trust in building a hydrogen economy.

The report provides a comprehensive diagnosis of the market, highlighting not only successes but, above all, the legislative and infrastructural barriers we must overcome for Poland to become a leader in hydrogen technologies in Central and Eastern Europe.

Where Are We in 2025? Poland is emerging as a regional leader in the hydrogen public transport segment. Over 100 hydrogen buses are already operating on Polish streets, and more local governments (including Rzeszów, Rybnik, Wałbrzych, Poznań) are investing in zero-emission rolling stock. We also have a strong industrial base—hydrogen buses produced in Poland (Solaris, NesoBus, Autosan) are successfully exported to European markets.

However, market development is not just about vehicles. Infrastructure remains a challenge. Currently, there are about 10 publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) in Poland, which is just the beginning of the journey to meet the requirements of the EU AFIR regulation. This regulation mandates the deployment of stations every 200 km along the TEN-T network by 2030.

Key Sectors: Rail and Ports The report draws special attention to the potential of hydrogen beyond road transport:

• Rail: PESA Bydgoszcz is blazing trails with the first certified hydrogen shunting locomotive in Europe (SM42-6Dn). For this technology to become widespread on non-electrified lines, it is essential to adopt the "H2-Rail PL" standard.

• Maritime Transport: Polish ports (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Szczecin-Świnoujście) have the opportunity to become energy hubs integrating the production, storage, and bunkering of alternative fuels (ammonia, e-methanol).

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What is Holding Back Development? Barriers and Recommendations The co-authors of the report identified the main obstacles facing the industry:

1. Lack of coherent regulations: Investment procedures are lengthy and complicated.

2. Costs: The price of green hydrogen and infrastructure remains high compared to fossil fuels.

3. Safety regulation gaps: Lack of uniform technical standards for HRS stations and port infrastructure.

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Proposals for Policymakers In response to these challenges, the report recommends the implementation of an "H2-ready Act", which would introduce a so-called "single administrative window" for hydrogen investments, and a Polish Hydrogen Safety Code to unify technical requirements. It is also necessary to create a map of critical hydrogen infrastructure and stable financial support mechanisms (CAPEX and OPEX).

Summary This document serves not only as a source of data but primarily as a reference point for public institutions and businesses. As Żaneta Kłostowska points out in the report, the future of the hydrogen economy depends not only on technology but on a shared vision and the cooperation of many environments.

We encourage you to read the full report and join the discussion on Poland's hydrogen future.