Green hydrogen

Hydrogen is an important component of the energy transition

Climate-neutral hydrogen is an important building block of the energy transition, which can ensure climate neutrality in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize through various technologies and possible applications and can significantly support the path to a renewable energy system.

Electricity should be used directly wherever possible. Useful fields of application for hydrogen are where this is not possible or only possible with difficulty. The industrial sectors of iron and steel, cement and chemicals as well as long-distance transportation (road, air, water) are of particular interest here.

Hydrogen is also used as a material to replace fossil fuels. Hydrogen and its derivatives (ammonia, methanol) are also of interest when it comes to import options and storage possibilities.

Green hydrogen to reduce emissions

As hydrogen is intended to help reduce emissions, it must be produced as climate-neutrally as possible. Green hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity and water, for example. Green electricity is essential for the production of green hydrogen. Around 50 MWh of electrical energy and 9,000 liters of water are required to produce one tonne of hydrogen by electrolysis.

Efficiency and prioritization essential

From today's perspective, the efficient use of hydrogen, prioritization of areas of application and the development of import strategies are necessary. In areas where there are more mature, cheaper or more efficient alternatives to fossil fuels, hydrogen should not be used as a priority, such as in space heating or car mobility.

Innovation, infrastructure and cooperation

In all areas in which the use of hydrogen makes sense, extensive efforts still need to be made in terms of research, development and innovation - firstly to bring the solutions to market maturity and broad application and secondly to position Austrian technologies and services well in the rapidly growing world market for hydrogen.

We provide answers on the topic of hydrogen

The experts at the Austrian Energy Agency provide facts on the topic of hydrogen and help to classify them. It is always particularly important to us to look at the big picture: the sensible integration of hydrogen into the energy system of the future, its contribution to achieving climate neutrality and looking beyond the national horizon.

In order to get the best out of ourselves, we have set up the hydrogen task force. It consists of experts from the Austrian Energy Agency who have gained experience in national and international hydrogen and industrial projects and bring different perspectives to the table. With our hydrogen task force, we advise public bodies on the targeted design of strategies, policies and programs for the use of hydrogen. We participate in research projects to further develop planning instruments and technologies in the hydrogen sphere (e.g. fuel cells). We help companies to optimally align their processes and sourcing strategies with future requirements.

With our H2 newsletter, we provide you with monthly facts on the topic of hydrogen and help you to evaluate them. We inform you about findings from our hydrogen projects and introduce you to discoveries that have caught our eye: Studies, strategies and initiatives from around the world. Subscribe to the newsletter now!