In the UK, Fuel Cells Works reported that Austria is staking its claim as a future hub of Europe’s hydrogen economy with a $291.6 million investment into four flagship domestic projects.
The Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that the funding will support OMV’s plans to construct the country’s largest electrolyser in Bruck an der Leitha, along with two green hydrogen projects in Styria and another in Salzburg. The funds will be distributed by Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws).
“While the EU is dividing almost one billion euros between 15 projects in five member states, Austria alone is investing 275 million euros in four national projects,” said Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, pointing to the nation’s ambition to lead rather than follow. The WFöG will offer ten-year fixed premiums per unit of renewable hydrogen produced through competitive auctions, with all production required to come from non-biogenic renewable sources. The funding aims to increase Austria’s H2 output by one-third over current levels.
The report also noted that Austria is working to overhaul its gas infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen transport and connect with the future EU-wide hydrogen backbone.
More on the story.
