The local council in Bruck an der Leitha has approved the construction of a 200-megawatt OMV electrolysis plant adjacent to the Sarasdorf substation. The Green Party is ecstatic, while the opposition remains critical.
Green Party member Elisabeth Götze hailed the approval as a big step for green hydrogen production in Austria. The council gave the green light for rezoning eight hectares of land required for the project. The SPÖ (Social Democratic Party) and the Green Party voted in favor.
Energy Future Hopeful with Hydrogen
From 2027, the plant aims to produce 30,000 tons of hydrogen annually from renewable energy sources such as wind farms, hydropower, and biomass. This ambitious plan will consume around 70,000 liters of water per hour, which translates to almost 1.7 million liters daily.
The project’s detractors have cited the water requirement and significant land usage as their main arguments. OMV, however, claims that half of the water will be recycled and maintained as drinking water quality.
Hydrogen’s Role in Industry
Hydrogen plays a crucial role in various industrial sectors and can also be used to produce synthetic fuels as an alternative to oil and gas. The Green Party is enthusiastic about the project, with National Council Member Götze stating that the initiative will set new standards for the energy transition in Lower Austria. She believes it will ensure that energy production value remains local and provide businesses with access to reliable green energy, making the region more economically attractive.
Compensation for Lost CO2 Storage Capability
A negotiated contract includes a clause that OMV will compensate the town of Bruck with 360,000 euros annually for the next 20 years to offset the loss of the soil’s CO2 storage capacity. This money is earmarked for climate protection measures.
Move Away from Oil and Gas
Green Party representatives Helga Krismer and Roman Kral emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on oil and gas. They see green hydrogen as crucial to protecting Austria’s economic landscape. Krismer and Kral welcomed the town council’s decision, which they believe implements the national hydrogen strategy at the local level.
