© OMV
OMV has commissioned a 10 MW green hydrogen production facility at its Schwechat refinery near Vienna, marking a major step in its strategy to decarbonize fuel and chemical manufacturing. The €25 million ($28 million) project is the largest of its kind currently operating in Austria and is now running at commercial scale.
Green Hydrogen for SAF and Renewable Diesel
The facility uses a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer powered entirely by renewable energy from wind, hydro, and solar sources. It will produce up to 1,500 metric tons of green hydrogen per year, contributing directly to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO).
“With the start-up of Austria’s largest electrolysis plant, we are re-inventing how essentials we use in everyday life are produced sustainably,” said Martijn van Koten, OMV Board Member for Fuels & Feedstock and Chemicals. “Green hydrogen is at the heart of this transformation, serving as a critical component in producing fuels and chemicals while advancing the decarbonization of our Schwechat site.”
Annual CO2 Reduction of 15,000 Tons
OMV says the operation of the plant will lead to an annual reduction of up to 15,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions—roughly equal to the average yearly emissions of 2,000 people in the EU. The electrolyzer system is certified under the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) to produce renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs).
Strategic Shift Away from Hydrogen Mobility
The Schwechat facility reflects a significant strategic shift. Earlier this month, OMV announced it would shut down all four of its public hydrogen refueling stations in Austria by September. The company will instead focus on industrial hydrogen applications and expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Europe.
Part of OMV’s Net-Zero Roadmap
The Schwechat plant supports OMV’s broader goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Green hydrogen, along with projects in geothermal energy, sustainable fuels, and chemical recycling, forms the backbone of the company’s energy transition strategy.
Public and Private Support Secured Project Completion
The project is backed by Austria’s Climate and Energy Fund and developed under the WIVA P&G – Hydrogen Initiative Model Region Austria Power & Gas. Support from Kommunalkredit during the development phase played a key role in delivering the project on schedule.
“The expertise gained from this initiative will act as a springboard for pioneering projects,” van Koten said, “laying the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient tomorrow.”
