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Dear Readers, just as quickly as spring has passed, summer now has us firmly in its grip. Unfortunately, our hope to report at this point on a flagship initiative from the government program such as the Renewable Gas Act - at least its consultation phase -has not materialized. Nevertheless, our focus remains firmly on the future and on renewable gases. Much of the current discussion revolves around the development of a hydrogen market model, the establishment of an initial hydrogen starter network as a foundation for a core grid, and its financing. We remain fully committed to the energy transition in the pipeline. Why is this so important? Gaseous energy carriers already play a key role in today’s energy system and will continue to do so in the future. The recently published “Second Austrian Assessment Report on Climate Change” also expects that by 2040, even with implemented efficiency measures and advanced electrification, gaseous energy carriers will still be necessary for a resilient energy system. By then, of course, they must be CO₂-neutral—thanks to biomethane and hydrogen! The first half of 2025 saw an approximately 20% increase in gas consumption. A large part of this comes from the increased use of gas-fired power plants, which reliably stabilize the electricity grid when hydropower, wind, and solar PV generate less due to weather conditions. Gas imports have now shifted from the East to entry points in the West and, to some extent, the South. You can view and compare the relevant periods on the AGGM Data Map. Storage levels have already exceeded 60% (around 60 TWh), giving us a positive outlook for the upcoming winter. Gas prices are highly volatile in recent days. Following weeks of relative stability around €40/MWh, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has caused a sharp increase but dropped again shortly after rumours about a cease-fire. The price differential with the Northwest European market has widened significantly to over €4. Limited West-East transport capacity and infrastructure bottlenecks are driving these high price spreads. You can find detailed updates on supply and sourcing every weekend on our LinkedIn profile. Follow us to stay up to date! We’ve also prepared more exciting topics for you. Our Graphic of the Quarter shows the growing price spread between Germany and Austria. We also have a tip for you: Snap a photo, win a prize! Make green gas visible – and win great prizes. Our colleagues at Zukunft Grünes Gas have launched a special campaign: Under the motto “Invisible & Indispensable” a creative photo competition invites you to discover the visible traces of gas infrastructure in everyday life – and showcase them artistically. Great prizes await – including a top prize of: One year of energy costs covered, worth €2,000 The deadline for entries is 12 September 2025 You can find all the details and terms of participation directly on the campaign page of Zukunft Grünes Gas: gruenes-gas.at/gewinnspiel-2025 We hope you enjoy the read and, as always, we welcome your suggestions, feedback, and even complaints—so we can continue to improve this newsletter for you, our dear readers. After all, we create it for one reason only: for you. Wishing you a wonderful summer, Your AGGM |
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Why we need to think about the hydrogen ramp-up in steps – and why this is important now.
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Decommissioning of Gas Networks?
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Project “H2 cross border” – First Pipeline-Based Hydrogen Delivery from Austria to Germany
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HyBS: Simulation Paves the Way for Hydrogen in the Natural Gas Grid
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Data-Chart of the Quartal
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| Important News |
Why we need to think about the hydrogen ramp-up in steps – and why this is important now.
 "Hydrogen is the champagne of the energy transition." Many will still remember this phrase whenever the topic comes up. But that narrative is gradually fading, as it becomes increasingly clear: the energy transition cannot succeed without renewable gases, especially hydrogen. In fact, hydrogen is set to become the centerpiece of the energy transition. The recently published Second Austrian Assessment Report on Climate Change also confirms the urgent need for action: even by 2040, despite electrification and comprehensive efficiency measures, there will still be a demand for CO₂-neutral gases.
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Decommissioning of Gas Networks?
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Project “H2 cross border” – First Pipeline-Based Hydrogen Delivery from Austria to Germany
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| Good to know |
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HyBS: Simulation Paves the Way for Hydrogen in the Natural Gas Grid
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Data-Chart of the Quartal
In recent months, gas prices in the German and Austrian markets have been at very similar levels. In February, the gas price briefly surged to around €60/MWh, likely due to both the weather and the increased use of gas-fired power plants. Since the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, prices have been rising sharply again.
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Learn to understand the Austrian gas market in all its facets. For all employees of gas companies and public institutions, as well as anyone interested in the Austrian gas market. There are still a few places available for our training on October 8, 2025. Further information can be found here. __________________________________________________________________ August 11, 2025 – imh online seminar: “Renewable Gases in the Grid: Regulation, Challenges, Innovations” imh.at – Future of Power Grids Seminar August 12, 2025 – Biogas Tuesday on the topic: “Biomethane belongs in the grid” Greengasservice | Biogas Dienstag 2025 November 5, 2025 – ÖVGW Hydrogen Forum ÖVGW Forum Wasserstoff 2025 November 26–28, 2025 – H2 Convention in Linz Home – H2Convention |
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