Green hydrogen at scale
We are building Austria's largest electrolysis plant for the production of green hydrogen.
The plant will produce green hydrogen from water using renewable energy from sources such as wind and solar. This project is one of the decarbonization measures in our Climate Transition Plan, which sets out the actions and interim targets supporting our ambition to become a net-zero business by 2050.
Key project information
- Potential location: Bruck an der Leitha, near the Sarasdorf substation
- Electrolysis capacity: Up to 140 MW
- Hydrogen production: Up to 23,000 metric tons per year
- Water demand: ca. 320,000 m3 per year*
- CO₂ savings: ca. 150000 metric tons per year according to the utilization profile of the plant**
- Commissioning: Q4 2027
* About half of the water will be returned to nature and can be used for irrigation, for example.
**The CO2 savings are based on the GHG footprint of renewable hydrogen produced within the plant compared to the fossil comparator from the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) checked by the independent certification company TÜV SÜD during the regular certification audits according to RED II requirements.
Potential CO2 savings at the Schwechat refinery
The use of green hydrogen in the refinery could save ca. 150,000 metric tons of CO2 per year.**
**The CO2 savings are based on the GHG footprint of renewable hydrogen produced within the plant compared to the fossil comparator from the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) checked by the independent certification company TÜV SÜD during the regular certification audits according to RED II requirements.
Strategic location
The site near the Sarasdorf substation was selected due to its network capacity and the availability of renewable energy. This location also has the advantage of allowing our facility to help stabilize the power grid by using excess power from wind and solar energy. The electrolysis plant will require about 7.4 hectares of space, 40% of which will remain unpaved. To compensate for the conversion of the grassland, the community will receive compensation payments for 20 years, which will be earmarked for climate protection measures.
Benefits for the region, support from the region
The facility will significantly reduce CO2 emissions and help to stabilize the local electrical grid. In turn, it will benefit from access to a secure water supply. We are collaborating closely with the state government and the community of Bruck an der Leitha over the initiative, which is contributing to the implementation of Austria’s hydrogen strategy.
Why green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen plays a central role in the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries. However, we do not use it as a fuel, but as a feedstock resource. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and secures the long-term viability of the Schwechat refinery.