AWF Advanced Technologies presented itself at Buch Wien 2025 as an innovative driving force for sustainable digitalisation. The research-driven company focuses on combining AI, data processing and ecological transformation – and presented two key projects at its exhibition stand:
At the trade fair, AWF hit the mark with these forward-looking topics, especially among the specialist audience. In a panel discussion entitled ‘Hydrogen: Beacon of hope or hot air?’, Jasmin Schiefer and other experts engaged in a lively debate about the opportunities and limitations of hydrogen technology. Although the spontaneous rush of general visitors was limited, technically savvy guests in particular showed great interest and sought out conversation. A total of 15 AWF information brochures were handed out – a sign that the right target groups were reached. Outlook: AWF Advanced Technologies is drawing valuable insights from its trade fair appearance and would like to express its gratitude for the targeted interest. The positive response from the specialist audience encourages AWF to continue innovating at the interface between AI and sustainability.
2030 Green – Sustainable visions before the start
Hydrogen is an important part of the solution, but it is not a panacea or the only solution. Overcoming the climate crisis requires all possible technologies and approaches, with hydrogen being an important piece of the puzzle.
Hydrogen can help tackle climate change and contribute to solving economic challenges by promoting innovation and new technologies. In Vienna, H₂ is seen as a way to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2040.
Hydrogen is flexible in its application and easy to transport and store. It can be used primarily to ensure security of supply, especially on days when electricity generation from renewable sources is unreliable (e.g. in grey, cold weather).
Hydrogen should be used wherever there are no more efficient alternatives. This essentially includes:
In the private car sector, electrification is more efficient and has established itself on the market. Although hydrogen cars are technically feasible (as electric cars with smaller batteries and fuel cells), battery technology is already industrialised and cheaper.
Wiener Linien uses hydrogen buses on routes that are in continuous use for long periods or are very demanding (e.g. hilly landscapes in the west of Vienna). The use of hydrogen makes sense there in order to circumvent the high energy requirements and the challenge of double garage spaces for battery buses in a large city.
Yes, the natural gas infrastructure (pipelines and storage facilities) can most likely be used for hydrogen. This requires the repurposing of gas pipelines and, in some cases, new pipelines, as the future production areas will be different. Tests to determine the suitability of the pipelines (depending on the steel material) are already underway throughout Europe.
Storage has long been a difficult issue. There are now options for storage underground (in former natural gas fields) as well as innovative solid storage facilities. The company Hydrosolid, for example, has developed a nanopolymer that absorbs hydrogen like a sponge, enabling an energy density comparable to that of hydrogen compressed at 1000 bar, but achieved at a pressure of only 35 bar.
The price is currently the main problem, as hydrogen production is more expensive than natural gas production.
Experts would like to see more pragmatism in politics and sensible legal frameworks. There is a lack of a competent authority and clear standards, for example for the certification of green hydrogen.
Austria lags behind Germany in terms of regulation, which could serve as a model, particularly with regard to the structuring of network fees to promote infrastructure development. In contrast, Austria (especially Vienna) is regarded as a ‘hero’ and role model in the eastern region (Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia) with regard to its activities.
Europe is under intense competitive pressure, particularly from countries such as China, which has declared hydrogen to be one of its ten technologies of the future. Europe currently faces three main problems: high energy prices, high labour costs and excessive bureaucracy. This leads to reduced competitiveness.
The hydrogen economy is already relevant to the labour market, as large companies are setting up their own hydrogen departments. The value chain is very broad, ranging from renewable electricity production and electrolysis development to infrastructure and customer acceptance.
There is high demand for skilled workers. This includes engineering sciences (e.g. at Graz University of Technology, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna University of Applied Sciences), but also skilled trades such as plumbers and electricians, who are important for the expansion of the energy infrastructure as a whole. People with an interest in technology are offered a de facto job guarantee in this field.
