Cluj-Napoca in Romania is set to host the country’s first hydrogen production plant, a 2.5 MW facility capable of generating over one tonne of hydrogen per day.
According to local news outlet Cluj24, the plant will become operational between late 2026 and 2027, after the Local Council approved the feasibility study for the project towards the end of last year.
Strategically located within the depot of the Public Transport Company (CTP), the project will reportedly power the city’s future hydrogen-powered bus fleet and be used by the District Heating Authority.
If operated continuously, the plant will produce up to 365 tonnes of hydrogen per year, and boast renewable energy consumption of 9.506MWh/year.
Funded by the EU, the total investment of the initiative represents 71.8m Lei ($15m), with a projected hydrogen production cost of 69.05 lei/kg ($14.5/kg) over 25 years. The investment payback period will last for up to 19 years.
According to local reports, the grid connection approval has been secured for the project, and tender documentation is now being finalised for the public procurement process.
Professor Bogdan Varga from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, will be the Project Coordinator, indicating that the university may lead the development of the project, alongside the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca.
Speaking to local reporters, Varga said, “We estimate an 18-month timeline from contract signing to commissioning. If everything aligns, by the end of 2026 or early 2027, we will have the first hydrogen molecule produced on-site.
“In addition to supplying the hydrogen bus fleet that the municipality plans to acquire, part of the hydrogen will be allocated to the District Heating Authority, which has a strategy for using hydrogen in thermal energy production.
“The remaining hydrogen will be available to those interested in purchasing hydrogen-powered vehicles,” he added.
Romania now plans to buy hydrogen buses and has applied for EU funding to support the development of a new fleet.
While Cluj-Napoca is advancing its hydrogen infrastructure, Romania has faced difficulties in implementing hydrogen mobility solutions, particularly in rail transport.
Last December, Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (ARF) relaunched its tender for 12 hydrogen-powered trains for the fourth time.
Read more:Romania relaunches hydrogen train tender after three failed attempts
The tender had been cancelled three times previously, twice due to a lack of bids and once due to the submission of a non-compliant bid.
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