RAG Austria Receives EU Recognition for Hydrogen Project in Upper Austria

The European Commission has designated the project “H2Austria&Bavaria+Store electrolyser” as a Project of Common Interest (PCI). The initiative is led by RAG Austria AG. With this classification, the EU recognizes key energy infrastructure projects that play a crucial role in achieving climate goals while strengthening Europe’s energy security. PCI projects benefit from accelerated permitting and implementation processes, significantly facilitating the realization of the initiative.

In the first phase of the project, a 100-megawatt electrolyser is planned to be constructed in western Upper Austria. In addition, a roughly 26-kilometer hydrogen pipeline to the Bavarian chemical hub near Burghausen is planned, which has also been recognized as a PCI. The project thus combines scalable hydrogen production with a cross-border connection to Germany. Hydrogen produced in Austria can primarily supply customers in southern Germany. At the same time, hydrogen produced in Bavaria could be stored and made available in Austria as needed.

Markus Mitteregger, CEO of RAG Austria AG, emphasizes the strategic importance of the project: “The combination of water electrolysis, storage, and cross-border connection lays the foundation for a secure and climate-friendly energy future.” The PCI designation underscores the project’s significance for European energy infrastructure.

The first of two project phases is already being funded. This phase covers the construction of the 100-MW electrolyser in Upper Austria. In a second phase, the project is to be expanded with a hydrogen storage facility near the electrolyser. RAG Austria is also seeking PCI recognition for this phase to ensure long-term cross-border energy security.