Austrian energy storage company RAG Austria and ANDRITZ have commenced construction on what is set to become Austria’s largest green hydrogen facility, following a groundbreaking ceremony.
The 12.5MW plant, located in Gampern, Upper Austria, is expected to be operational at the end of 2026. It will produce approximately 17 million cubic metres, or over 1,500t, of green hydrogen annually, using solar power as its main energy source.
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The project will serve to store surplus renewable electricity generated in the summer, making it available for use during periods of high demand in the winter.
By enabling large-scale seasonal energy storage, the facility is intended to enhance energy security and provide a continuous supply of green hydrogen for industrial applications.
The hydrogen produced can be used in electricity and heat generation, helping to replace natural gas gradually.
ANDRITZ is responsible for delivering the entire plant on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis, covering all aspects of project execution and commissioning.
The scope of supply includes systems for hydrogen purification and compression.
Several Austrian energy suppliers, including EVN, KELAG, Energie, LINZ and Salzburg, have already reserved capacity for electrolysis at the site.
RAG Austria CEO Markus Mitteregger said: “In light of rising demand of green hydrogen in industry as well as in heating and power generation, particularly in winter, it is essential that Europe now begins producing its own hydrogen and consistently leverages available surplus electricity resources.
“Around half of future demand will need to be met within Europe, making it imperative to act now.”
RAG Austria’s plant forms part of the ongoing development of the RAG Valley energy hub in Gampern.
The site demonstrates a full value chain, where locally generated solar power is converted into hydrogen, stored underground and used for combined heat and power production or blended into the existing gas grid when necessary.
The Austrian government has identified significant seasonal storage requirements by 2030 and 2040, underlining the need for facilities like RAG Austria’s hydrogen plant to support the country’s transition to renewable energy.
