Omv To Build One Of Europe’s Largest Green Hydrogen Plant

OMV, the Vienna-based integrated chemicals, fuels, and energy company, has taken a significant step toward advancing Europe’s green energy future by announcing a major investment in one of the continent’s largest green hydrogen production facilities. The company confirmed its final decision to invest a “mid-three-digit million-euro sum” in the development of a 140 MW green hydrogen electrolysis plant, to be located in Lower Austria. This ambitious initiative is a central component of OMV’s transition strategy towards cleaner, more sustainable fuel sources and is expected to bring substantial environmental benefits, including an annual reduction of approximately 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The new facility will supply green hydrogen to OMV’s nearby Schwechat refinery, transforming the way essential fuels and chemicals are produced. Green hydrogen, unlike conventional hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, is generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen without emitting greenhouse gases, positioning it as a critical solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, including heavy industry and transportation.

While hydrogen is already produced globally in large volumes—around 90 million metric tons annually—the vast majority is derived from fossil fuel-based processes, contributing significantly to pollution and climate change. The shift to green hydrogen not only addresses these environmental concerns but also aligns with global efforts to build resilient and sustainable energy systems. However, the transition comes with significant challenges, requiring extensive investment in infrastructure, electrolysis technologies, and transport systems. OMV’s investment underscores the scale and seriousness of the company’s commitment to facilitating this shift.

Construction of the green hydrogen plant is set to be completed by the end of 2027. Once operational, it will represent a substantial leap in OMV’s renewable energy capabilities. This project follows the successful launch of a 10 MW electrolyzer facility in 2024, developed in partnership with Kommunalkredit, an Austrian bank focused on infrastructure financing. That plant marked one of the first green hydrogen production sites in Europe and received certification under the European Union’s Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) category, as defined by the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The certification emphasizes the plant’s alignment with European goals to increase the share of clean fuels in energy consumption and reduce reliance on fossil-derived hydrogen.

Martijn van Koten, OMV Executive Vice President of Fuels & Feedstock and Chemicals, highlighted the broader significance of the new investment. He described the initiative as a reinvention of how everyday fuels and chemical products are made, signaling a strong shift towards sustainable innovation in industrial production. He emphasized that by integrating green hydrogen into the production process, OMV is not only making its operations more environmentally friendly but also preparing its business model for the future. The project illustrates how innovation and sustainability can coexist to shape a cleaner industrial landscape.

This move is aligned with OMV’s long-term strategic plan, known as “Strategy 2030,” which was launched in 2022. The plan outlines the company’s transformation from a traditional oil and gas producer to a leader in renewable fuels and circular economy solutions. A central goal of this strategy is to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. Key components of the strategy include investments in green hydrogen, expansion into bio-based products, and a significant reduction in fossil fuel-related activities.

OMV’s decision to commit substantial resources to the development of green hydrogen technology not only represents a major milestone in its own sustainability journey but also reflects a growing recognition across the industry of hydrogen’s vital role in the clean energy transition. As European nations push forward with their decarbonization targets under the European Green Deal and climate neutrality goals, projects like OMV’s green hydrogen plant are poised to become cornerstones of the new energy economy.

By harnessing the power of renewable energy to produce hydrogen, OMV is helping lay the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable Europe. The company’s leadership in this space signals a transformative shift in the energy and chemical sectors, paving the way for similar innovations and partnerships throughout the region. As construction begins on this landmark facility, it represents not just a significant investment in technology and infrastructure, but also a powerful commitment to a low-carbon future.