Four universities and three research institutes founded the Silesian-Małopolska Hydrogen Valley. Established in Katowice, the association is aiming to support the development of the hydrogen economy. The work of the Valley is coordinated by the Katowice branch of the Industrial Development Agency.
Members of the association include energy and fuel companies, local governments, business organizations, as well as universities and research institutes, the Silesian University of Technology, AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Krakow University of Technology, University of Silesia, Komag Mining Technology Institute, Institute for Chemical Processing of Coal and Central Mining Institute.
The aim of the association is to support the development of the hydrogen economy and strive to build a branch of the Silesian-Malopolska hydrogen industry, based on the production of hydrogen in the electrolysis process using energy produced from renewable energy sources installations and its use in energy, transport, infrastructure and industry.
Universities and institutes will bring to the established association not only the scientific potential but also ideas ready for implementation – e.g. the use of waste hydrogen for energy purposes and powering vehicles which are currently developed by the scientists of the Krakow University of Technology.
The research conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles; the University of Krakow provided for a self-developed, modern hydrogen injection system for piston internal combustion engines. It is suitable for quick implementation in engines of diesel locomotives and power generators, and after necessary modifications, for the hydrogen supply of piston bus engines.
The creation of the Silesian-Małopolska Hydrogen Valley is not only the implementation of the Polish Hydrogen Strategy, published in December last year but also a significant step towards innovation and decarbonization of the Polish economy. Poland is one of the leading producers of hydrogen in the world. So far, the Hydrogen Valleys have been created in Lower Silesia and Subcarpathia.
Arkadiusz Słomczyński