On 8 October 2025, a group of international representatives from PRHyUS project partners and relevant stakeholders took part in a study visit and policy exchange in the City of Rybnik. Located in the Silesia Region and home to approximately 130,000 residents, Rybnik has a long history connected to coal mining. In recent years, however, the city has invested in modern, environmentally friendly public transport solutions, including hybrid and hydrogen buses.
Currently, Rybnik operates 20 hydrogen buses, with an additional 14 buses on order, expected for delivery in the second quarter of 2026. These vehicles are quiet, zero-emission, and perform reliably even in low temperatures, with refueling taking only 15–20 minutes. The city is also spearheading an ambitious initiative to transform the former Rybnik Coal District into the Rybnik Hydrogen District (ROW 2.0), fostering collaboration among local authorities, academia, and industry to promote hydrogen technologies.
During the visit, Ewelina Włoch, Head of the Department of Digitization and New Technologies at Rybnik City Hall, guided participants through the process of establishing a low-emission public transport fleet. She explained why hydrogen buses were chosen as the most suitable solution for the city and described how Rybnik implements and manages its hydrogen transport system.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit the Rybnik hydrogen refueling station, gaining insights into the hydrogen supply chain, and to explore a hydrogen bus, observing the modern features designed to ensure passenger accessibility, safety, and convenience.
In addition, representatives from the Silesian University of Technology — Aldona Rosner, Jan Kaczmarczyk, and Robert Piątek — presented current research initiatives on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and hydrogen technologies. They introduced the university’s Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Hydrogen Technologies, being developed at the Rybnik campus with a budget of over €6 million, funded through the Just Transition Fund. The centre includes Competence Centre for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Technologies – focused on education and training, Hydrogen Technologies Laboratory – dedicated to research on hydrogen production, storage, and applications, Eco-House Energy Laboratory – a prototype building powered entirely by renewable energy, and Mobile Laboratory for Photovoltaic Panel Diagnostics. The main goal of the centre is to build local expertise and support both research and industry in the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
The study visit proved to be highly informative and inspiring, offering participants practical insights into hydrogen technologies, sustainable urban transport, and the collaborative efforts needed to advance green energy solutions.
Presentations:
- Rybnik Hydrogen District , EWELINA WŁOCH, Department of Digitization and New Technologies, Rybnik City Hall
- ECO-HOME ENERGY Laboratory , JAN KACZMARCZYK, PhD, DSc, Competence Center for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Technologies, Silesian University of Technology
- The Hydrogen Laboratory in Rybnik – Development and Future Research Perspectives , ALDONA ROSNER, PhD, Head of Laboratory, Competence Center for Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Technologies, Silesian University of Technology
Gallery:
