OMV has begun construction on a 140 MW electrolysis plant in Bruck an der Leitha, Austria, marking a significant milestone in its drive towards climate neutrality. Scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027, the facility will produce up to 23,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually using renewable energy from wind, solar and hydropower.
The plant will supply green hydrogen to OMV’s refinery in Schwechat via a 22-kilometre pipeline, replacing fossil inputs in fuel and chemical production processes. OMV expects this will reduce the refinery’s direct, production-related carbon emissions by up to 150,000 tonnes a year—around 10 per cent of its current footprint.
Alfred Stern, Chairman 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 innovation, modern infrastructure, political support and strong partnerships. This project reaffirms our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and strengthens our role as a pioneer in green hydrogen.”
OMV is investing several hundred million euros in the project, which has already secured operating and building permits. The initiative has been assessed positively for funding by the European Hydrogen Bank, with an agreement expected to be finalised by the end of 2025 in cooperation with Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws).
Once complete, the facility will be the largest electrolysis plant in Austria and South-Eastern Europe, and among the five largest in Europe. OMV already operates a 10 MW electrolyser in Austria, but the Bruck site will significantly expand its hydrogen capabilities.
The project will be delivered under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract led by Siemens Energy, with STRABAG responsible for civil construction. Siemens Energy will oversee technical planning and provide key components such as electrolysis stacks, transformers, rectifiers and compressors.
Juha Pankakoski, Extended Board Member at Siemens Energy, commented: “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 CEO Stefan Kratochwill added: “Green hydrogen can play a crucial role in the energy system of the future. This plant is a milestone towards more sustainable mobility. Together with Siemens Energy, we are proud to be building one of Europe’s largest facilities for OMV.”
The development underscores OMV’s ambition to be at the forefront of Europe’s hydrogen economy, positioning the company as a key player in the transition to cleaner energy.
