The plant will supply the OMV refinery in Schwechat, enabling the local production of green hydrogen for industrial processes, fuels, and chemical products. OMV expects the project to reduce carbon emissions at the site by up to 150,000 tons per year, equivalent to around 10% of the refinery’s current direct, production-related emissions.
Alfred Stern, Chairman of the Executive Board 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 technological innovation, modern infrastructure, political support, and strong partnerships. Green hydrogen is a key component of our Strategy 2030 as a means of decarbonising our fuel production and a key to OMV’s responsible transformation. With this project, we are reaffirming our long-term commitment to sustainable energy solutions and strengthening our role as a pioneer in the development and supply of green hydrogen.”
OMV is investing a sum in the mid-hundreds of millions of euros in the plant, which will be connected to the Schwechat refinery via a 22 km hydrogen pipeline. The operating and building permits have already been granted. The project has been assessed positively for funding by the European Hydrogen Bank, with an agreement expected to be signed by the end of 2025.
For implementation, OMV has awarded an EPC contract to a consortium led by Siemens Energy and including STRABAG. Siemens Energy will provide electrolysis stacks, transformers, rectifiers, compressors, and overall technical planning, while STRABAG will be responsible for all civil construction work.
Juha Pankakoski, Extended Board Member of Siemens Energy, commented: “As consortium leader, we are pleased to be working with OMV and STRABAG to build one of Europe’s largest electrolysis plants. 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.”
Stefan Kratochwill, CEO of STRABAG, added: “Green hydrogen can play a crucial role in the energy system of the future. This electrolysis plant is a milestone on the road toward more sustainable mobility. Together with Siemens Energy, we are proud to be building one of the largest plants in Europe for OMV and to be showcasing our expertise in high-tech buildings. These projects show that nothing ventured, nothing gained, and we can only shape the future of energy by taking bold steps.”
