Croatian energy group INA has announced progress on a green hydrogen refinery project at its industrial site in Rijeka with an investment of €33 million. The project reflects INA’s commitment to cleaner energy production and aligns with growing European trends toward decarbonising traditional refinery operations using green hydrogen. By integrating hydrogen production with refining, INA aims to reduce its carbon footprint and prepare for future demand in hydrogen-based fuels and chemicals.

The refinery project will adapt existing infrastructure while building new hydrogen generation and refining facilities capable of handling renewable-hydrogen feedstock. The move underscores a broader shift in the fossil-fuel industry, where legacy energy companies increasingly adopt green molecules to stay relevant in a decarbonising market and comply with tightening environmental regulations.

A strategic pivot for European refining industry

INA’s decision to develop a green hydrogen refinery in Rijeka signals a strategic pivot towards sustainable operations and cleaner energy supply chains. By investing in green hydrogen, the company is not only preparing to meet future environmental standards but also betting on hydrogen’s growing role in Europe’s energy transition. The project may enable INA to produce cleaner fuels, hydrogen-based chemicals or even hydrogen for export, depending on market dynamics and regulatory support.

This development also positions INA to benefit from potential incentives under European green-energy policies, while enabling a gradual transformation of traditional refinery capacities. As demand for low-carbon fuels and hydrogen-based products rises across Europe, INA’s early investment could provide a competitive edge over peers still reliant on conventional fossil-based operations.

The project’s success could serve as a model for other refineries across the region, particularly in Europe’s refining hubs facing increased pressure to cut emissions. By converting part of its refinery capacity to use green hydrogen, INA may pave the way for a broader industry shift—combining existing refining infrastructure with renewable-hydrogen production to deliver low-carbon fuels and chemicals at scale.

Source:

https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/12/09/h2/croatia-s-ina-moves-ahead-with-33m-green-hydrogen-refinery-project-at-rijeka-site