Project „H2Austria&Bavaria+Store electrolyser“ receives PCI status from the European Commission
Vienna, 4 December 2025
Hydrogen is a key component in achieving climate targets and enhancing security of supply in Europe. In this context, on December 1, 2025, the European Commission recognized the project “H2Austria&Bavaria+Store electrolyser”, initiated by RAG Austria AG and part of the Hydrogen Interconnections in Western Europe (HI West) network, as a Project of Common Interest (PCI). Thereby its strategic importance for Europe is confirmed. With PCI status, RAG's project can benefit from accelerated approval and implementation processes.
"H2Austria&Bavaria+Store electrolyser" is part of a total of 235 cross-border energy projects that have been granted the status of Project of Common Interest (PCI) or Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) and are listed in a corresponding publication.
The pioneering project "H2Austria&Bavaria+Store" combines scalable hydrogen production with secure storage and a cross-border connection to Germany. This enables hydrogen produced in Austria to supply customers in southern Germany. At the same time, there is also the option to store hydrogen produced in Bavaria and make it available to customers in Austria on demand.
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Two project phases:
- Phase 1 – PCI status confirmed:
Step-by-step installation of a 100 MW electrolyzer in the Upper Austria West region, construction of a 26 km long connection pipeline to Haiming/Burghausen. This part has now received PCI status.
The submission for the second phase is currently under preparation:
- Phase 2 – PCI status targeted:
Construction of a hydrogen storage facility tailored to the size of the electrolyzer, located in close proximity to the electrolyzer facility. PCI status is also being targeted for this part.
“The recognition of our project as a PCI is a key step in establishing an initial hydrogen supply in the Burghausen area. The required consistent and reliable availability of hydrogen for customers will be ensured by combining the fluctuating hydrogen production - caused by variable renewable energy production from wind and solar - with a hydrogen storage facility,” explains Tatjana Weilert, Project Lead, RAG Austria AG.
RAG Austria CEO Markus Mitteregger emphasizes the European relevance of the project: "The H2Austria&Bavaria+Store project aims to establish the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable energy supply in Central Europe. At the same time, it provides solutions for the urgently needed reduction of emissions. The combination of water electrolysis, storage, and cross-border connection creates the foundation for a secure and climate-friendly energy future. The PCI status confirms the strategic importance of our initiative for Europe."
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Further information
Further information on the European Commission's decision can be found at:
European Commission press corner
Contact
Tatjana Weilert
tatjana.weilert@rag-austria.at
RAG Austria AG
presse@rag-austria.at
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