Austria Unveils Hydrogen Import Strategy to Become EU Hub
Austria's Minister of Economy, Hattmannsdorfer, unveiled the nation's new hydrogen import strategy at a recent press conference. This move aligns with Austria's ambitious plans to become a European hydrogen hub, fostering collaboration with Italy and Germany.
The strategy prioritizes the Southern Corridor, one of the EU's key hydrogen routes, connecting North Africa to Central Europe. Austria's 'hydrogen offensive' includes developing import strategies, promoting electrolyzer plants, and building storage and pipeline infrastructure.
A trilateral working group meeting between Austria, Germany, and Italy is scheduled for October 23 in Vienna. This gathering will delve into financing, construction, and regulation of hydrogen infrastructure. The offensive aims to decarbonize energy-intensive industries, boost competitiveness, create jobs, and secure supply.
A joint declaration with Germany, Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia targets industrial-scale green hydrogen production by 2035. The Austrian government is supporting this initiative with two ordinances: Investment Subsidy Ordinance Hydrogen (€20 million for electrolyzer plants) and Hydrogen Certification Ordinance. The latter ensures customers receive certified green hydrogen produced by electrolysis using renewable energy.
The HyPA annual conference in Vienna on October 22 will discuss the next steps for the hydrogen corridor's implementation. Austria's strategy complements its National Hydrogen Strategy adopted in 2022, aiming to bridge the gap between domestic production and future industry demand.
Austria's new hydrogen import strategy, presented by Minister Hattmannsdorfer, is a significant step towards the country's goal of becoming a European hydrogen hub. By prioritizing the Southern Corridor and collaborating with key partners, Austria seeks to decarbonize industries, create jobs, and ensure supply security. Upcoming conferences and ordinances will further shape this ambitious initiative.
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