OMV has begun construction on a 140-megawatt electrolysis plant for green hydrogen in Bruck an der Leitha, Austria. The facility is expected to be the largest of its kind in Austria and South-Eastern Europe, and among the five largest in Europe when it becomes operational at the end of 2027.
The company aims to produce up to 23,000 tons of green hydrogen annually using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. This production is projected to help reduce carbon emissions from OMV’s Schwechat refinery by up to 150,000 tons per year, representing about 10 percent of the refinery’s current direct emissions related to production.
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 will invest several hundred million euros in this project. As part of the investment, a new hydrogen pipeline approximately 22 kilometers long will connect the electrolysis plant directly with the Schwechat refinery. The necessary operating and building permits have already been granted.
The project has received positive assessment for funding from the European Hydrogen Bank. The funding agreement is being finalized with Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws), which manages applications for this program in Austria. A contract with the Austrian Hydrogen Bank is expected by late 2025. The timeline for commissioning remains subject to final funding approval.
OMV already operates a smaller electrolyzer in Austria with a capacity of 10 MW. The new large-scale facility underscores OMV’s position as an early mover in adopting green hydrogen within European refining operations.
For this project’s implementation, OMV has partnered with Siemens Energy and STRABAG under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) contract led by Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy will provide expertise in electrolysis technology and supply core components such as electrolysis stacks and compressors.
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.”
STRABAG will handle all civil construction work including groundwork and building construction on site.
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.”
OMV reported revenues totaling 34 billion euros in 2024 with around 23,600 employees worldwide.
