Innovation at VERBUND

As a leading domestic electricity company, here at VERBUND we’re advancing pioneering technologies and business models. We invest in innovation and work with partners on the development of sustainable solutions.

Looking to the future

Renewable energies are the key to a secure supply and to achieving the climate targets. Whether electromobility, green hydrogen or new energy stores: VERBUND counts on innovation. As an industry bellwether, we are breaking new ground and actively helping to shape the energy future. We grab market opportunities and develop innovative business models, services and products together with partners and customers.
As the leading domestic energy transition company, VERBUND is driving forward pioneering technologies and investing in innovation and cooperation.

Out in front instead of lagging behind

The clean energy future needs innovation – these issues are central. VERBUND is making the energy system fit for tomorrow. Along the entire value chain, we are working on innovative projects – from electricity generation to distribution.

The priorities in our innovation work

Hydropower 

VERBUND is one of the largest generators of electricity from hydropower in Europe. The renewable resource forms the heart of our company. The goal is to maintain our power plants and increase their efficiency. We also want to make environmentally sound use of existing potentials for new locations.
For us, smart energy management means designing the electricity system of the future together with consumers, who will increasingly become producers, too. Our goal is solutions that deliver value added for both sides.  

New renewable energies: wind power and solar power

In addition, we will be counting on the economic expansion of wind power and photovoltaics in the coming years. By 2030, one quarter of our total generation should come from such new renewable energies. In combination with our flexible storage power plants, we are therefore making an important contribution to the supply of green electricity in Austria and Europe.

Example projects at VERBUND

  • Germany’s largest hydropower project: expansion and modernisation of the 85 MW run-of-river power plant at Töging in Bavaria for one quarter more output and efficiency
  • Outdoor photovoltaic system: implementation of one of the largest outdoor PV plants in Lower Austria’s Weinviertel region with the industrial partner OMV

Hydrogen from renewable sources offers enormous potential: as a substitute for hydrogen made from natural gas, for the reduction of CO2 emissions in industry and mobility, and as a storage medium for wind and solar power. VERBUND is working with industrial and mobility partners on the breakthrough of green hydrogen in Austria.

Hydrogen from clean electricity

As the leading generator of electricity from hydropower, we are able to produce hydrogen from green electricity. In addition, we act as a provider of flexibility: fast-response REM electrolysis plants can also be used for grid services. That strengthens the transmission networks and opens up new sources of revenue for companies.

Example projects at VERBUND

  • Low-emission steel industry: construction of a PEM electrolysis plant at the voestalpine location in Linz (EU-funded flagship project H2FUTURE)
  • Climate-friendly refinery: production of hydrogen for mobility and refinery processes (KLIEN-funded industrial cooperation UpHy)
  • Use in a gas power plant: together with Wien Energie, RheinEnergie and Siemens Energy, hydrogen will be admixed for the generation of energy for the first time as part of a trial run. This trial is the first of its kind in the world at a commercially used gas and steam turbine plant in this power class. We are looking to obtain important findings from the trial for the conversion of combined heat and power plants to green sources.

According to the government’s programme, 100% of Austria’s electricity should come from renewable sources in balance sheet terms by 2030. Large amounts of the electricity generation required for this will come from wind and solar power – decentral and weather-dependent. Sector coupling (the use of electricity in transport, heating and industry) will also increase the need for electricity in future in the sense of climate protection, as renewable electricity generation increasingly replaces fossil energy sources.

Innovative storage technologies

As the key to the energy future, electricity stores will enable the integration of renewable energies. They can store excess production for short periods of time and stabilise the grid. VERBUND relies on the combination of different storage technologies: from hydropower pumped storage facilities and green hydrogen to lithium-ion batteries.

Example projects at VERBUND

  • Local battery stores: intelligent stores in high-performance charging stations for electric cars (EU-funded project SYNERG-E)
  • Stable grid: short-term provision of system services with the aid of a battery storage system (KLIEN-funded project ABS4TSO)
  • Blue Battery: large battery store at the VERBUND Danube power plant at Wallsee-Mitterkirchen, Upper Austria


Transport is responsible for almost one third of greenhouse gas emissions in Austria. A sustainable alternative is renewable electricity as a means of propulsion. We are therefore working intensively on innovation projects at VERBUND and helping to shape the mobility of the future.

Austria-wide charging network

Together with partners from research and industry, we develop everyday infrastructure and concrete applications. Our subsidiary SMATRICS operates the largest fast-charging network for electric cars in Austria and offers services for business and private customers. The energy comes from 100% hydroelectricity.

Example projects at VERBUND

  • High-power charging: implementation of the first four high-power chargers for long-distance electric cars of the latest generation in Austria (EU-funded project ultra-E)
  • Cross-border, interoperable charging network: expansion of the charging network through projects with international energy companies such as EDF and Enel X as well as OEM partners

Exploration

The complete transformation of the energy system cannot succeed without innovation. For VERBUND, shaping the energy future means proceeding to develop new, disruptive business ideas and technologies. For us, smart energy management means designing the electricity system of the future together with consumers, who will increasingly become producers, too. Our goal is solutions that deliver added value for both sides.

In doing so, we rely heavily on cooperation with innovative companies, in order to be able to offer solutions for the relevant climate protection and energy questions of our customers and society. In recent years, VERBUND has massively expanded its startup commitment. Since 2019, over 1,800 startups have applied to the VERBUND X Accelerator, while VERBUND has also initiated and implemented proof-of concepts and pilot projects with selected startups. To further increase the impact and added value of VERBUND’s activities in the startup sector, VERBUND X Ventures – the Corporate Venture unit of VERBUND – was founded in 2022.

Our first corporate startup, “HalloSonne”, also wants to supply all residential buildings with solar power using the newest technologies and the best minds. The company was founded as a corporate startup, as the rapid development and scaling aimed at requires a high degree of flexibility. At HalloSonne, you can either purchase a photovoltaic system with revolutionary microinverter technology directly or rent it conveniently over 20 years. You can find more information at www.hallosonne.com (German only).

VerbundX, Team

VERBUND X Ventures

With VERBUND X Ventures, we are raising our startup commitment to the next level. With the newly founded Investment Unit, we want to invest in climate tech startups, which will help us to accelerate the energy transition. In addition, with VERBUND X Ventures, we have created a framework as a means to building up innovative business ideas, which come from the company, as corporate startups.
Discover VERBUND X
VXA Background Pattern

VERBUND X Accelerator

Fresh ideas needed: Within the scope of the "VERBUND X Accelerator. The Energy & Infrastructure Innovation Platform", we’re looking for startups, technology companies and SMEs, in order to work together on the solutions for tomorrow. The VERBUND X Accelerator was created in 2020 with big-name Austrian leading companies and international ecosystem partners. The third round of the VERBUND X Accelerator was launched in the summer. With over 190 applications from 32 different countries, we also managed to inspire many startups for the programme this year.

Franz Zöchbauer

We will be glad to answer all questions personally.

Franz Zöchbauer 
Head of Corporate Innovation & New Business 

✆ +43 (0)50313-53788
✉ franz.zoechbauer@verbund.com

Drive electric with electricity from hydropower!

Click here for our attractive e-mobility offers: