The H2FUTURE Follow-up initiative builds on the original plant’s research by enhancing hydrogen purity and pressure capabilities. The expansion adds a compression and purification plant and five hydrogen storage tanks to store hydrogen for transport and further use. Preparatory work began two years ago, with installation now underway. Functional testing is scheduled for January 2026, with initial research results expected by the end of 2026. The project is set to conclude in December 2029.
The H2FUTURE plant, operational since 2019, features 12 stacks of 50 electrolysis cells each, with a six-megawatt capacity, producing up to 1,200 cubic meters of green hydrogen per hour. It has generated hundreds of tons of green hydrogen and conducted extensive testing, including a stress test verifying its ability to handle continuous operation and rapid load changes. The plant helps stabilize electricity grid frequency fluctuations caused by variable renewable energy supply or demand.
voestalpine will utilize the green hydrogen in other research projects within the company, supporting sustainable industrial applications. The collaboration between voestalpine and VERBUND underscores their commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology, contributing to the global shift toward renewable energy solutions.
The expansion enhances the facility’s role in testing and scaling green hydrogen production, aligning with efforts to integrate renewable energy into industrial processes. By improving storage and transport capabilities, the project supports the broader adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source, fostering innovation in sustainable energy systems.
