Legal Framework for Hydrogen Production in Austria Using the Specific Example of a Company Site in Tyrol

Abstract

This article examines the legal framework for hydrogen production in Austria within the broader context of European Union (EU) regulations, focusing on a company site in Tyrol. At the EU level, the Industrial Emissions Directive, the EU Hydrogen Strategy, the REPower EU Plan, and the Delegated Acts to the Renewable Directive are addressed. For the national regulation in Austria, regulations for electrolyzers (e.g. licensing and safety regulations) as well as the regulation of hydrogen networks—or the absence thereof—are examined. The study assesses the impact of these regulations on an operating location in Tyrol. This analysis reveals the intricate legal landscape shaping hydrogen production in the EU and, specifically, in Austria, highlighting challenges for project development and compliance. The study underscores the need for clarity and harmonization in regulations to support the growth of a sustainable hydrogen economy.