Fields of Expertise

Renewable energy sources form the foundation of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Electricity generated from wind, hydro, and solar power is produced, distributed, and made available for the production of green hydrogen. Thanks to its abundant hydropower resources, the expansion of renewable energy, and a robust energy infrastructure, Upper Austria meets key requirements for supplying future hydrogen applications.

Hydrogen is produced using various methods, with electrolysis using renewable electricity playing a particularly central role. In this process, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. In Upper Austria, companies, energy providers, and research institutions are driving the expansion of electrolysis capacity and working on innovative solutions for the production of green hydrogen.

The successful use of hydrogen requires efficient solutions for storage, transportation, and distribution. Hydrogen can be transported to consumers via pipelines, trailers, or specialized storage systems. The first infrastructure projects are taking shape in Upper Austria, such as the hydrogen pilot network between Linz-Ebelsberg and Sattledt, to ensure a safe and reliable supply.

Hydrogen offers great potential, particularly in heavy-duty transportation – including buses and commercial vehicles – as well as in shipping and aviation. The use of fuel cells enables vehicles to operate with low emissions and meet range requirements even in demanding applications. Upper Austria supports the development of such mobility solutions and strengthens collaboration among technology providers, infrastructure operators, and users.

In industry, hydrogen is used both as an energy source and as a raw material. It enables the reduction of CO₂ emissions in energy-intensive processes and thus makes an important contribution to climate-neutral production. As Austria’s leading industrial region, Upper Austria is committed to hydrogen to ensure the long-term competitiveness of its companies and to support the transition to a climate-friendly industry.

Hydrogen can serve as a storage medium for renewable energy and help balance supply and demand in the energy system. It enables the long-term storage of large amounts of energy and can be used again to supply electricity and heat when needed. In Upper Austria, hydrogen is viewed as a key component of a future, integrated energy system that combines security of supply, flexibility, and climate protection.