International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy

Austrian Strategy Wasserstoffstrategie für Österreich (Jun 2022) (In German - Executive Summary in English) Mission 2030 Austrian Climate and Energy Strategy (Sept 2018) Austrian Roadmaps A3PS Eco-Mobility 2030 plus Roadmap (October 2018) Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan for Austria (December 2019)

Update: June 2026 Electricity Market Act (ElWG)  The new Electricity Market Act (Elektrizitätswirtschaftsgesetz, ElWG) contains regulation on electrolysers qualifying as electricity storage facilities. Also, the regulating authority may now pass regulation on reduced network charges for system-supportive facilities.   Industrial Strategy The Austrian government published its Industrial Strategy in December 2025, which includes hydrogen-related activities. A central element is the development of a hydrogen starter network, including a national transmission pipeline infrastructure. Alongside this, a comprehensive regulatory framework for hydrogen networks is being established, addressing unbundling requirements, network access, and tariff structures. Furthermore, the participation in international hydrogen auction is being addressed.   National Hydrogen Import Strategy  A National Hydrogen Import Strategy is currently under development. The strategy aims to secure Austria's long-term, diversified and reliable supply of renewable hydrogen.     Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine  Austria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ukraine in the field of hydrogen cooperation.   The Gas-Hydrogen Act Ongoing work on the new Gas and Hydrogen Act centres on transposing the EU Gas Market Directive into national law. The legislation addresses a broad range of regulatory areas, including network access for gas and hydrogen, the strengthening and protection of consumer and end-user rights, institutional frameworks and market roles, network planning, scenario frameworks and decommissioning planning, as well as the designation and certification of gas and hydrogen network operators. Further key elements cover the responsibilities of infrastructure operators, the role of the regulatory authority, unbundling requirements, the establishment of a hydrogen start network, and hydrogen storage. Furthermore, the act shall include the basis for intertemporal cost allocation and a financing mechanism for the hydrogen start network.   Joint DG Letter (AT, DE, PL, ES, NL) — Advancing the RFNBO Review  Austria, together with Germany, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands, submitted a joint letter to the relevant European Commission Directorates-General calling for an early revision of the rules on Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs). Earlier revision was recently communicated in the wake of the newly published AccelerateEU communication.   Study on Hydrogen Storage Facilities  The study, titled “Hydrogen Storage in Austria,” provides a comprehensive analysis of medium- and long-term storage needs in Austria, the technological potential, and the economic and regulatory framework.

Update: June 2026 The necessary broad scope of hydrogen research is addressed through various funding lines. In this context, hydrogen technologies and applications often compete with other solutions: Thematic R&D&I Programmes RTI Initiative: Transformation of Industry — €21.5 million Energy Research — €18 million Mobility Technologies — €14.5 million Resource Transition 2026 — €15.2 million Clean Energy Transition (CET) Partnership — €8 million Austrian Space Applications — €10 million Take Off and Transnational R&D&I Cooperation — €11.5 million Non-thematic R&D&I Programme: Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) Base Programme — €180 million

Update: June 2026 Installed and Planned Electrolyser Capacity in Austria   35,2 MW installed electrolyzer capacity ~ 500-800 MW either planned or construction in process 73 vehicles 2 refueling stations (private)

Update: November 2024 26. – 28. November 2024 H2 Convention in Linz: At this year's symposium, Linz will once again be the meeting point for around 300 participants from industry, research and administration, representatives of political institutions at federal and EU level, project organisers from European cities and regions as well as internationally active companies and research institutions. In dialogue with international best practices, they will address the challenges and opportunities along the entire value chain.

Update: June 2026 Industrial Transformation Fund (UFG) — up to € 400 million yearly The Environmental Promotion Act fund for industrial transformation (Umweltförderungsgesetz, UFG) provides support of up to € 400 million per year for projects aimed at decarbonising industry. The call opened on May 8th 2026 and includes funding for CAPEX and OPEX.   Hydrogen Promotion Act (WFöG) — € 820 million total The Hydrogen Promotion Act (Wasserstoffförderungsgesetz, WFöG) establishes the framework for large-scale public support of green hydrogen production in Austria. The programme has a total funding of €820 million and operates through a competitive auction mechanism. In the first auction round held in 2024, € 275 million in funding commitments were awarded to successful bidders, supporting the ramp-up of an additional 171 MW of electrolyser capacity, representing a substantial contribution to Austria's near-term hydrogen production targets.   In the third auction round of the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB), Wiener Wasserstoff GmbH, a subsidiary of Wiener Stadtwerke, was selected as one of nine hydrogen production projects to receive EU funding. The company secured support at a bid price of €0.98 per kilogram of hydrogen produced.

Update: June 2026 ÖVGW presented a new H2-Rulebook in December 2025.   New Publication: H E320 “Hydrogen Pressure Regulating Stations” The new guideline establishes a uniform framework for the planning, construction, and initial inspection of hydrogen pressure regulation systems. It describes in detail: o   which components are required o   which safety requirements apply o   how systems are to be located and inspected o   what conditions must be met for commissioning This marks the first time that common quality standards for hydrogen producers and consumers in the field of pressure regulation have been defined.   Update: H B100 “Hydrogen Quality” The guideline defines which hydrogen qualities are permitted in Austrian gas networks (Grade A: 98% H2 and 99.97% H2) and which maximum impurity levels are acceptable. The revision is based on an adaptation of the international standard ISO 14687 (“Hydrogen fuel quality – Product specification”). Through updated reference points, the regulations establish clear quality standards for both producers and consumers.   Update: H E200 “Hydrogen Pipelines” H E200 governs the planning, construction, and operation of new hydrogen pipelines. Based on current scientific findings—such as those from ÖVGW research projects like the FFG-funded HyGrid² project—previously stringent requirements have been relaxed, and new references to standards as well as ÖVGW quality standards have been added. The revision provides greater clarity and facilitates the implementation of new pipeline projects for all stakeholders.   ÖVGW Sets Quality Standards for Hydrogen Components In addition to the technical guidelines, the ÖVGW also defines quality standards for key components of the hydrogen infrastructure. The ÖVGW quality standard QS-H 137/1 (publication: January 2026) specifies requirements and test procedures for metallic shut-off valves in accordance with ÖNORM EN 13774 and ÖNORM EN 14141, which are suitable for gaseous hydrogen in accordance with ÖVGW guideline H B100. In doing so, the ÖVGW provides additional safety and clarity for the use of these components in the production, transport, distribution, and application of hydrogen.

Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research Austrian Agency for Alternative Propulsion Systems Hydrogen Center Austria - HyCentA TU Graz - Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology

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Austrian Statement (PDF); 40th Steering Committee Meeting; Washington DC, USA, 4-5 October 2023 Austrian Statement (PDF); 33th Steering Committee Meeting; Online; 16-19 June 2020 Austrian Statement (PDF); 26th Steering Committee Meeting; Gwangju, Republic of Korea; 1-4 November 2016 Austrian Statement (PDF 564KB); 24th Steering Committee Meeting; Grenoble, France; 1-3 December 2015 Austrian Statement (PDF 1.14MB); 22nd Steering Committee Meeting; Rome, Italy; 2-3 December 2014 Austrian Statement (PDF 939KB); 21st Steering Committee Meeting; Oslo, Norway; 19-21 May 2014 Austrian Statement (PDF 799KB); 20th Steering Committee Meeting; City of Fukuoka, Japan; 20-21 November 2013

Contact: Dr. Andreas Dorda | andreas.dorda@bmk.gv.at