Hydrogen can bring the summer into the winter
With clear and logically aligned framework conditions, we can reduce our dependence on energy imports, make gas greener, accelerate the hydrogen ramp-up efficiently and sustainably, and ease pressure on electricity grids. This requires a holistic approach that integrates gas and electricity within a modern energy system based on sector coupling.
Success factors for the hydrogen ramp-up in Austria and Europe
A timely start to local hydrogen production, including storage in regional clusters, is feasible. In this context, exemptions from grid charges should support the rapid, cost-efficient development of hydrogen transport and distribution infrastructure.
The blending of hydrogen into existing gas networks should be recognised as a contribution to decarbonisation.
Electrolysis relieves pressure on the electricity system and enables electricity surpluses generated during summer – which would otherwise go unused – to be stored and made available for use in winter. An exemption from electricity grid charges provides the right incentives here.
Revenues from the CO₂ pricing of natural gas should be allocated to scaling up green hydrogen and electrolysis services – serving as a direct replacement for fossil natural gas.
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Ground-breaking ceremony for Austria’s largest green hydrogen production plant:
- Ground-breaking ceremony for an additional 12.5 MW of water electrolysis as the next phase of expansion at RAG Valley Gampern
- Winter 2025/26 makes it clear: massive dependence on imports for electricity supply cannot be resolved through wind power expansion or battery and pumped-storage solutions – gas storage facilities and power stations have maintained supply.
- An integrated energy system comprising renewable generation, storage and energy use is urgently needed in Austria.
- RAG Valley Gampern had already demonstrated in the winter of 2025/26 how solar power generated in the summer could be stored and used in the winter – a solution that is now being scaled up further.
- Strengthening regional industry through the consistent scaling up of green hydrogen production
Electrolyzes convert domestic solar power into a storable energy carrier, which is why I wholeheartedly welcome the project in Gampern.
Federal minister of Economy Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer
We ensure security of supply
Security of supply is the foundation of prosperity, industry and social stability.
With large-scale energy storage facilities, RAG ensures that energy is available whenever it is needed – regardless of the weather, the season or geopolitical developments.
Volatile renewable energy only becomes truly usable through conversion and storage.
Together we are strong: the solution is sector coupling
The future of energy is interconnected: RAG Austria combines renewable energies with gaseous energy sources and storage technology. This turns electricity into storable energy – and individual sectors into a stable, integrated energy system.
Only sector coupling can turn individual solutions into a stable overall system.
Innovations for future generations
Innovations in hydrogen strengthen sustainable security of supply: RAG Austria already operates underground storage for surplus renewable summer electricity and is continuously developing innovative technologies related to green gas.
Technology is making the energy transition a reality – not at some point in the future, but today.