OMV closes public hydrogen filling stations in Austria
The operation of OMV's public hydrogen filling stations in Vienna has already been terminated. Over the summer, the locations in Graz, Innsbruck, Asten, and Wiener Neudorf will follow, as the energy company confirmed reports from the "Kronen Zeitung" and "Der Presse" to the APA. OMV attributes the closures to a lack of economic viability.
OMV Closes Hydrogen Filling Stations Due to Lack of Demand
In 2012, a hydrogen filling station was first put into operation in Vienna-Floridsdorf. "Despite these early investments, the demand for hydrogen as a fuel fell short of expectations," according to a company statement. In fact, according to Statistics Austria, only 62 fuel cell-powered cars were registered on Austria's roads by the end of February. "Die Presse" reports, referring to figures from the end of March, of 59 affected vehicles. Last year, in 2024, only one such car was newly registered.
Of the 62 vehicles, only five belong to private owners, writes the "Kronen Zeitung". Most (48) of the hydrogen-powered cars come from the car manufacturer Hyundai. As "Die Presse" writes, hydrogen buses from the company are currently being tested in Graz. Hyundai also plans to establish a distribution of hydrogen trucks next year. The company expressed surprise to the newspaper about the closure of the OMV filling stations. However, Hyundai has never sold to private individuals in this country, only to companies, some of which could refuel their cars internally.
OMV Focuses on E-Mobility
The publicly listed OMV intends to expand its "commitment in the field of electromobility" in the future. Through OMV eMotion, a "comprehensive fast-charging network" is to be established. However, hydrogen remains relevant for OMV in the industrial sector. This year, the first electrolysis plant with a production capacity of 10 megawatts (MW) is to be put into operation in Vienna Schwechat. In a larger plant (140 MW), planned by 2027, further green hydrogen is to be produced, according to the company.
(APA/Red)
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