The representatives of the refining and petrochemical group ORLEN Unipetrol and the Technical University of Košice have signed an agreement of collaboration, mainly in hydrogen research and development. The deal is a follow-up to the previous closer work of both entities that started in 2021. Reinforcing the cooperation with the academia in education, research, and development is part of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group’s development activities in Slovakia. ORLEN Unipetrol has long been active in fuel wholesale and selling other refining and petrochemical products. It entered the local market in 2019 with the ORLEN Benzina network of filling stations. It makes no secret of its plans related to the greening of industry and public mobility.
“The Technical University of Košice emphasises the scientific and technical knowledge base, innovations, and workforce aimed to create a healthy and sustainable future. All of this fits into our plans to be involved in the greening of industry and developing hydrogen mobility in Slovakia. Therefore, I am pleased that we have managed to find an ideal partner for our development activities,” said Marek Gieroń, Executive of ORLEN Unipetrol Slovensko.
Under the development strategy recently unveiled by the ORLEN Unipetrol Group, it wants to build at least 26 hydrogen stations and one hydrogen distribution terminal in Slovakia by 2030. In Czechia, ORLEN Unipetrol has long been collaborating with universities and institutions of higher education both in education and primary and applied research. For instance, the partnership with the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague lasts 20 years. Their unique project, University Centre located directly on the production premises in Litvínov, offers the study in petrochemistry and refining disciplines to about 50 students. Last year, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Czech Technical University joined the centre, too. Now, the ORLEN Unipetrol Group wants to enhance cooperation with academia in education, research, and development in Slovakia.
“We welcome the ORLEN Unipetrol Group’s interest in being involved in academic research and developing the future use of hydrogen. We expect scientific cooperation and sharing and exchanging information in emissions reduction, large-scale warehousing, transport, distribution, and technical drilling,” says Dr. h. c. prof. h. c. prof. Ing. Stanislav Kmeť, DrSc., Rector of the Technical University of Košice.
The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) is a globally recognised research and educational institution providing education and smart solutions for various aspects of life. TUKE has been included in the most significant global university rankings, such as QS World University Rankings, where it placed among the Top 1000 for the first time; the URAP - University Ranking by Academic Performance, SCIMAGO, Webometrics, and many others. With an area of 43 hectares, three campuses in two regional capitals and more than 9,600 students, TUKE is one of the largest universities in Slovakia. TUKE creates a unique environment for thousands of students thanks to the connection of nine faculties with diverse focuses. Students from 47 countries worldwide account for more than 20 per cent of them.
The ORLEN Unipetrol Group is the largest refining and petrochemical company in the Czech Republic. It focuses on crude oil processing and the production, distribution and sale of vehicle fuels and petrochemical products – particularly plastics and fertilisers. It belongs among the critical players in the Czech and Central European markets in all these areas. The ORLEN Unipetrol Group encompasses refineries and production plants in Litvínov and Kralupy nad Vltavou, Paramo, in Pardubice, Spolana Neratovice, and two research centres in Litvínov and Brno. ORLEN Unipetrol also includes a network of ORLEN Benzina filling stations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. With 426 filling stations, ORLEN Benzina is the largest chain in the Czech Republic. Since its entry in 2019 to Slovakia, ORLEN Benzina has been one of the fastest-growing chains and currently has 23 stations in its network. ORLEN Unipetrol employs almost 5,000 people and is one of the largest companies in the Czech Republic. In 2005, ORLEN Unipetrol became a member of the ORLEN Group, the largest crude oil processor in Central Europe. The ORLEN Unipetrol is also active in corporate social responsibility. Therefore, it pays equal attention to initiatives that cultivate and support sustainable development, education, local communities, and the environment.