The Hydrogen Partnership Austria Committee was set up on the initiative of the Ministry of Climate Action and Energy and the Ministry of Labour and Economy to support the implementation process of the Austrian Hydrogen Strategy. The advisory board includes numerous representatives from the Austrian economy, science and administration. Gas Connect Austria is also represented on the Advisory Board, contributing its expertise in the field of gaseous energy transport. For more information on the composition of the advisory board, please refer to: https://www.hypa.at/ueber-uns/beirat

The existing gas infrastructure has been developed over more than five decades. Over the next 10-15 years, it will need to undergo fundamental restructuring and conversion to hydrogen and biomethane, including in terms of production, seeking new partner countries for imports, and the use of hydrogen. The short timeframe for ramping up the hydrogen economy requires proactive and decisive action in an extremely dynamic environment. To avoid falling behind in this race, well-coordinated and constructive cooperation among all stakeholders is crucial.

Speed is important: it is recommended that the regulatory framework for the next - but larger - steps, following numerous ongoing pilot projects, be in place by mid-2024, so that a core hydrogen network and the majority of the electrolysers to be installed by 2030 can be operational by the end of 2027.

HyPa suggests, among other measures, that the Federal Government establish clear laws to promote investment in the hydrogen infrastructure. In addition, the implementation of a regulatory framework for hydrogen by the end of June and accelerated approval procedures. Import options should be secured and the connection to the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) guaranteed. HyPa also proposes to set up a state-funded start-up network and to encourage the population to switch over. Dialogue with financial experts should be intensified and research into hydrogen should be increased.

The 12 recommendations of the HyPA Advisory Board at a glance:

1. Establishment of specific legal frameworks by the end of the first quarter of 2024 to attract investments in a hydrogen system
2. Creation and implementation of an efficient and flexible regulatory framework for hydrogen by the end of the second quarter of 2024
3. Supporting the ramp-up of renewable hydrogen production with electrolysers
4. Establishment of pricing principles for hydrogen transport and access to hydrogen networks and storage by the end of the second quarter of 2024
5. Launch of a state pre-financed initial network
6. Sustainable integrated planning to ensure safety during ramp-up and international competitiveness of the infrastructure
7. Implementation of unbundling regulations for hydrogen
8. Framework conditions for rapid and concentrated plant approvals
9. Securing import options and connection to the European Hydrogen Backbone
10. Focus on key issues and ensure critical mass in hydrogen research to enhance competitiveness and excellence in Austria
11. Create acceptance for the transformation, involve and empower people
12. Intensify dialogue with stakeholders in the financial sector

The panel's recommendations were well received by the relevant government officials, who subsequently held a press briefing on the measures being taken. Further details can be found in the Ministry of Climate Action and Energy's announcement. https://www.bmk.gv.at/service/presse/gewessler/2024/0313_HyPA.html

For further details on the recommendations put forth by the HyPA Advisory Board, please refer to the link provided.