Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 30, OMV has laid the foundation stone for one of the largest green hydrogen electrolysis plants in Europe, located in Bruck an der Leitha, Austria. The facility, with a capacity of 140 MW, is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027. Using renewable sources including wind, solar, and hydropower, OMV aims to produce up to 23,000 tons of hydrogen annually, supporting its long-term goal of reducing emissions and strengthening sustainable energy solutions.

The hydrogen generated will be used to enhance production processes and supply fuel and chemical products at OMV’s Schwechat refinery. According to the company, this will allow an annual reduction of up to 150,000 tons of carbon emissions, representing around 10 percent of the refinery’s current direct, production-related emissions.

Alfred Stern, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of OMV, said: “The construction of our state-of-the-art plant for green hydrogen is a clear signal for the energy transition. We are creating an integrated ecosystem based on the use of green hydrogen – supported by technological innovation, modern infrastructure, political support, and strong partnerships. Green hydrogen is a key component of our Strategy 2030 as a means of decarbonising our fuel production and a key to OMV's responsible transformation. With this project, we are reaffirming our long-term commitment to sustainable energy solutions and strengthening our role as a pioneer in the development and supply of green hydrogen.”

OMV is investing several hundred million euros in the project. The plan includes a 22-kilometer hydrogen pipeline to link the Bruck an der Leitha site directly with the Schwechat refinery. Both the operating permit and building permit have already been granted.

The project received a positive assessment for funding from the European Hydrogen Bank, with the Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) acting as the national processing office. A funding agreement with the Austrian Hydrogen Bank is expected to be signed by the end of 2025, with the project timeline subject to final approval.

OMV already operates a 10 MW electrolyzer in Austria, but the new large-scale facility will be the largest electrolyzer in Austria and South-Eastern Europe, and among the five largest in Europe.

Partnerships are central to the project’s implementation. Siemens Energy is leading the consortium under an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contract. It will oversee technical planning and provide key components, including electrolysis stacks, transformers, rectifiers, and compressors. STRABAG will manage civil construction work and build site infrastructure.

Juha Pankakoski, Extended Board Member of Siemens Energy, stated: “As consortium leader, we are pleased to be working with OMV and STRABAG to build one of Europe’s largest electrolysis plants. Our technology enables the efficient and scalable production of green hydrogen as an important energy source of the future. Projects like this provide important impetus for the development of the hydrogen market.”

Stefan Kratochwill, CEO of STRABAG, said: “Green hydrogen can play a crucial role in the energy system of the future. This electrolysis plant is a milestone on the road toward more sustainable mobility. Together with Siemens Energy, we are proud to be building one of the largest plants in Europe for OMV and to be showcasing our expertise in high-tech buildings. These projects show that nothing ventured, nothing gained, and we can only shape the future of energy by taking bold steps.”