With the official kick-off event, Europe’s first hydrogen valley dedicated to industrial applications has been launched in Austria. Around 100 participants from academia and industry took part, engaging with presentations from the federal provinces, the Climate and Energy Fund, and the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action (BMK). The HI2 Valley brings together 48 national and international partners and will mobilize €588 million in investments by 2030, supported with €20 million by the European Union and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
The initiative spans the regions of Styria, Upper Austria, and Carinthia, marking a decisive step toward the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries and reinforcing Austria’s leadership in hydrogen research and innovation.
A Milestone for Industrial Decarbonization
Hydrogen technologies are considered one of the key enablers of the transition toward climate neutrality. With the HI2 Valley, Austria is establishing a pioneering model that combines large-scale industrial applications with cutting-edge research.
“As major industrial regions in Austria, we are particularly challenged to advance the decarbonization of industry. The hydrogen valley will make a significant contribution to this effort. At the same time, it strengthens our position as leading regions in hydrogen research,” emphasized Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, Regional Minister of Styria at the kick-off event, joined by her colleagues Markus Achleitner from Upper Austria and Sebastian Schuschnig from Carinthia.
Key Figures and Projects
The HI2 Valley will roll out 17 projects covering the entire hydrogen value chain – from production and transport to storage and industrial application. Highlights include:
- 101 MW of new electrolysis capacity
- 10,000 tonnes of green hydrogen production per year
- 17 projects implemented across three federal states
By 2030, the valley aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Austria’s industry, energy, and mobility sectors by 201,282 tonnes of CO₂-equivalents.
Economic and Climate Impact
The initiative is set to create around 2,000 new jobs, while providing clean hydrogen for industries such as steel, cement, and raw materials. This will make a decisive contribution to achieving both national and European climate targets and reducing dependence on fossil energy imports.
By connecting stakeholders across regions and industries, it establishes a blueprint for Europe’s hydrogen economy and supports the transition toward a climate-neutral and energy-independent future.
About HI2 Valley
The HI2 Valley is co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and its members. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.