World’s first geological hydrogen storage facility put into operation

“Underground Sun Storage,” the world’s first hydrogen storage facility in an underground porous reservoir, was put into operation in Upper Austria. In this way, RAG Austria AG – Renewables and Gas – and its project partners are setting new international standards.

In the demonstration facility, solar energy is converted into green oxygen by water electrolysis and stored in its pure form in an underground natural gas reservoir. This geological storage facility will be able to convert the summer solar power surplus of about 1,000 one-family homes in the future and store it seasonally. In this way, 4.2 million kWh (4.2 GWh) of summer electricity will be brought into the winter and can be made available again in the form of electricity and heat.

The results of the demonstration project “Underground Sun Storage” will make it possible to reposition gas storage facilities with their enormous storage volumes as hydrogen and green power storage facilities.

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planqc: "Austria offers enormous advantages due to its excellent research landscape in quantum physics"

The German quantum computing startup planqc really took off in 2024, winning major contracts and investors. In this interview, CEO Alexander Glätzle reveals what he appreciates about the company’s new facility in Innsbruck and the key role that the well-developed infrastructure for research and development there plays in the company's success.

From research to practical application: Quantum technology in Austria

Research institutions and companies are driving the development of quantum technologies in Austria, thereby strengthening the country's leading role as a business location. Initiatives such as Quantum Austria, featuring € 107 million in investments to strengthen the quantum technology ecosystem, are making an important contribution to this.

Austria in the fast lane in quantum technology

From ambitious startups to extensive government funding programmes: Austria is a promising business location for innovative companies and investors in the field of quantum technology. This enables progress and sustainable growth, a fact which is also demonstrated by successful young companies such as ParityQC, qtlabs and planqc.