voestalpine and VERBUND Expand H2FUTURE Hydrogen Plant in Linz

voestalpine, the global steel and technology group, in collaboration with Austria’s leading power company VERBUND, is advancing its efforts in green hydrogen research by expanding the H2FUTURE pilot plant in Linz. This facility, recognized as one of the world’s longest-operating PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis plants, is now undergoing a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing its capabilities across the entire hydrogen value chain—including production, purification, compression, storage, and distribution.

Originally commissioned in 2019, the H2FUTURE project was, at the time, the world’s largest hydrogen pilot installation. Its expansion marks a pivotal step in Austria’s commitment to sustainable energy and decarbonized steel production. The extended facility will now include a compression and purification unit, along with five newly built hydrogen storage tanks. These additions will enable improved handling and transport of green hydrogen, offering more robust infrastructure to support ongoing research and application. The total investment for this expansion amounts to EUR 16.4 million.

The enhanced project, now termed “H2FUTURE Follow-up,” continues the mission of the original initiative but with a deeper focus on improving hydrogen purity and pressure parameters—crucial for industrial-scale applications. The hydrogen produced will be temporarily stored in the new tanks and later distributed for further research and utilization. This next phase has been meticulously planned over the last two years, and the physical installation of equipment is currently underway. Functional testing is expected to commence in January 2026, with the initial results anticipated by the end of that year. The project is scheduled to run until December 2029.

voestalpine intends to integrate the green hydrogen produced at the upgraded facility into its broader research activities. The company is already progressing through the first phase of its climate-neutral steel production initiative, greentec steel. This program outlines the gradual replacement of coal-powered blast furnaces with electric arc furnaces powered by renewable electricity at its Linz and Donawitz sites by 2027. The long-term goal is to achieve carbon-neutral steel production by 2050, with hydrogen as a key pillar of this transformation.

Herbert Eibensteiner, CEO of voestalpine AG, emphasized the importance of hydrogen in the company’s sustainability strategy, stating:

"With greentec steel, we are already deeply engaged in the first transformation phase. Hydrogen will be central to reaching our 2050 climate goals. The H2FUTURE Follow-up project with VERBUND will help us gain essential insights to drive this transition forward."

Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND, highlighted the technical focus of the company’s role, explaining:

"Through H2F-Up, we are concentrating on hydrogen production, compression, and purification, especially under varying operating conditions. With a storage capacity of one ton, we can buffer production fluctuations and ensure consistent hydrogen supply. Continuing this pioneering partnership with voestalpine reaffirms our joint commitment to shaping a sustainable energy future."