Energie AG, Austria’s leading electricity and gas network operator, is moving forward with plans to repurpose portions of the country's natural gas pipeline to accommodate hydrogen integration. The company has tasked Netz Oberösterreich with repurposing the pipeline that runs between Linz and Sattledt. Energie AG operates an extensive network that spans over 6,000 kilometers and is preparing to submit its first blending section for approval in the near future.

The repurposed pipeline will operate as a dual-use system, meaning one of its two strands will continue to carry natural gas, while the other will be dedicated to transporting hydrogen. The new hydrogen pipeline, which will have a 40 cm diameter, is capable of transporting up to 50 cubic meters of hydrogen per hour, depending on the pressure. This volume of hydrogen transport could power up to 170 MW, the equivalent of Linz’s district heating power plant capacity.

However, for the dual-use system to be implemented, an amendment to the operating permit is required. This amendment will need to be reviewed and approved by the regional government. Fortunately, the legal framework to ensure the project's economic feasibility is already in place. Alexander Kirchner, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Energie AG, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative. "Green hydrogen is a key component of Energie AG’s vision for a renewable energy future," he said. "By repurposing the pipeline between Linz and Sattledt, we are making significant progress, helping Upper Austria become one of the first regions in Austria to be supplied with hydrogen."

The company’s efforts align with Austria’s broader commitment to renewable energy. In February, Austria introduced a €400 million ($432 million) subsidy package, supported by the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB), to back domestic renewable hydrogen producers. This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding the nation’s hydrogen infrastructure, with the Linz-Sattledt pipeline project being one of the early steps in this broader effort.

Energie AG’s decision to repurpose existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport highlights a practical approach to energy transition, optimizing existing infrastructure while expanding Austria’s green hydrogen capabilities. The project is poised to make Upper Austria a leading region in hydrogen adoption and production, contributing to the nation’s long-term renewable energy goals.