© OMV
OMV has officially committed to a large-scale green hydrogen facility in Bruck an der Leitha, Lower Austria. The 140MW electrolysis plant, announced during the inauguration of the company’s 10MW facility at the Schwechat refinery near Vienna, will proceed under the condition that it secures subsidies through the European Hydrogen Bank’s (EHB) “auctions-as-a-service” program.
The new project is expected to produce up to 23,000 tons of green hydrogen annually and is scheduled to start operations by the end of 2027. It will serve the Schwechat refinery, replacing conventional hydrogen with a renewable alternative to support OMV’s broader climate goals. The company estimates the switch will cut carbon emissions by around 150,000 tons per year.
OMV CEO Alfred Stern framed the move as part of a wider transition strategy. “This inauguration marks a decisive step in our Strategy 2030,” he said. “We aim to become an integrated sustainable chemicals, fuels, and energy company, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
140 MW facility to cut emissions by 150,000 tons annually
The 140 MW investment follows the recent launch of OMV’s 10MW electrolyzer at Schwechat, which produces up to 1,500 tons of green hydrogen per year and is currently the largest operational facility of its kind in Austria. Both installations will play key roles in replacing fossil-based hydrogen used in refining processes such as hydrocracking and desulfurization.
“This project demonstrates how industrial innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Martijn van Koten, OMV Executive Vice President for Fuels & Feedstock and Chemicals. “Our planned 140MW electrolysis plant in Bruck an der Leitha will meet a significant share of the hydrogen demand at the OMV Schwechat refinery, reinforcing our role as a pioneer in industrial transformation.”
Investment tied to outcome of Austria’s hydrogen funding program
OMV has pledged a “mid-three-digit million-euro” investment in the 140MW project. The final decision is tied to the company’s success in securing funding from the EHB’s AaaS scheme, which allows national governments to allocate parts of the EU’s hydrogen budget. Austria has earmarked €400 million for this mechanism. If successful, OMV could receive up to €200 million in direct support.
The funding outcome remains uncertain. The EU recently awarded €992 million to 15 projects in its second EHB auction round, with no Austrian projects selected. OMV’s ability to move forward hinges on decisions yet to be announced under Austria’s allocation of AaaS funds.
OMV sees hydrogen as key to future refining operations
Hydrogen is essential in refinery operations for removing sulfur and upgrading crude oil into lighter fuels. OMV’s strategy is to shift this process to renewable sources, cutting emissions and aligning its refining operations with EU climate policy.
The Schwechat site will continue to play a central role. The 10MW unit has already been certified under the EU Renewable Energy Directive as producing Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO).
