INNIO Group has launched a groundbreaking 1 MW-class hydrogen combined heat and power (CHP) plant at RAG Austria AG’s site in Gampern, providing green electricity and heat as the heating season begins. Commissioned in June 2024, this innovative project is the first of its kind in Europe. It uses green hydrogen, produced during summer through water electrolysis and stored in the world’s first underground hydrogen reservoir in Rubensdorf, which holds up to 4.2 GWh of surplus solar power.
The electricity and heat generated by the Jenbacher CHP plant are used directly at the site, achieving high efficiency. This flagship project represents a significant step towards net zero by addressing a key energy transition challenge—seasonal storage of surplus solar power for winter use. It also serves as a model for scaling up and replacing natural gas with hydrogen, promoting emission-free power generation throughout the year.
Dr. Andreas Kunz, Chief Technology Officer of INNIO Group, stated, “With our hydrogen energy solution, we are supporting RAG Austria in transforming the energy value chain and demonstrating how decarbonization of communities and industrial sites is achievable.”
Markus Mitteregger, CEO of RAG Austria AG, added, “Thanks to Jenbacher technology, we can separate the generation of renewable energy from its consumption, ensuring sustainable energy supply throughout the year.”
