Austria's Giant Leap: Massive Hydrogen Plant Construction Begins
Bruck an der Leitha, Monday, 27 October 2025.
OMV’s new 140 MW hydrogen electrolyzer in Austria could reshape Europe’s energy landscape. Set to be one of the largest, it promises to bolster hydrogen production and support decarbonisation efforts.
A Major Boost for Hydrogen Production
OMV’s announcement of constructing a 140 MW hydrogen electrolyzer is a bold move. This plant in Bruck an der Leitha, Austria, is set to become a significant player in Europe’s hydrogen sector [1]. Collaborating with Siemens Energy and STRABAG, OMV plans to have the plant operational by the end of 2027, which will boost the region’s hydrogen production capabilities [1].
Green Hydrogen: The Heart of Decarbonisation
Once operational, the plant will churn out 23,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. This output will be vital for reducing carbon emissions at OMV’s Schwechat refinery [1]. It’s not just about numbers; this plant signifies a strategic shift towards sustainable energy practices, aligning with OMV’s Strategy 2030 [1].
Building a Hydrogen Infrastructure
To ensure the seamless use of hydrogen, OMV is constructing a 21 km pipeline to link the new plant with its Schwechat refinery [1]. This infrastructure will be crucial for integrating hydrogen into existing energy systems, supporting industrial decarbonisation efforts [1].
Funding and Partnerships
The project has received a positive assessment from the European Hydrogen Bank, with funding agreements being finalised with Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH [1]. Strong partnerships and financial backing underline the project’s potential impact on the energy landscape [1].
A Look at the Bigger Energy Picture
Globally, the energy transition is gaining momentum, with hydrogen playing a pivotal role. DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook highlights the growing importance of hydrogen and its derivatives in future energy systems [3]. This aligns with OMV’s strategic push towards green hydrogen, ensuring a sustainable and responsible transformation [1][3].