Launched yesterday (September 16) by Federal Minister for Economy, Energy, and Tourism (BMWET), Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, the strategy focuses on imports to secure a reliable, long-term hydrogen supply.

The government plans to partner with Germany, Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia to advance the Southern Hydrogen Corridor, a 3,400km pipeline route designed to transport green hydrogen from North Africa to Central Europe.

“With our import strategy, we ensure timely supply and competitiveness, create the basis for new jobs and open up new markets,” explained Hattmannsdorfer.

Furthermore, the nation plans to establish new regulations to support the construction of storage facilities and pipelines to boost domestic electrolysis capabilities.

“We are now preparing the foundations for storage and infrastructure of tomorrow – for a strong industrial base and a secure energy supply in Austria.

“We are already creating the energy supply of tomorrow today,” the minister added. “With our hydrogen offensive, we promote the construction of plants to convert renewable electricity into renewable hydrogen or synthetic gas – so that Austria remains independent, competitive and crisis-proof.”

The government plans to implement two new regulations later this year. The Hydrogen Investment Subsidies Regulation for electrolysis plants will allocate €20m ($23.6m) in subsidies to support infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, the Hydrogen Certification Regulation will ensure that hydrogen production meets EU standards and is internationally recognised for its renewable credentials.

This will require green hydrogen to adhere to specific rules, including those for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs).

The European Commission has announced legal action against 26 member states for failing to transpose key EU directives, including the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), which covers RFNBOs.

As of July, only Denmark has fully transposed RED III, with several other countries making only partial progress.

These measures are still in the process of being finalised by the Austrian government, but they’re expected to be officially enacted shortly.