Hydrogen factory in Zurndorf: dispute over locations and water availability

Hydrogen factory in Zurndorf: dispute over locations and water availability

In Burgenland, the discussion about the planned construction of a hydrogen factory in Zurndorf is once again sparked. After approval for an electrolyser was granted, the Constitutional Court referred a complaint to the Federal Administrative Court. This prompted the project opponents to initiate a revision.

The initiative is led by several groups affected, including the Friedrichshof housing cooperative, the Friedrichshof Wasser cooperative and the irrigation cooperative Gols-Mönchhof-Weiden-Neusiedl am See. The residents Werner Falb-Meixner is also at the top of the project opponents. The Burgenland Energy, which is behind the project, plans to generate hydrogen from wind and solar energy, but this is due to great resistance.

reactions of the residents and new association

FALB-Meixner said that one was not fundamentally against the generation of alternative energies, but at a suitable location. In order to bundle the concerns, the non -partisan association "Habitat Pannonia" was founded, which clearly spoke out against the location of the factory. In a letter to those responsible in Burgenland, including Governor Hans-Peter Doskozil and other important decision-makers, the representatives pointed out to serious defects in the project.

One of the main arguments of the association and its supporters is the concern for the availability of water resources at the planned location. This problem is also taken up by the district administration Neusiedl am See. In her opinion, it is unclear who should do without his withdrawal claims in the event of water shortages - agriculture, population or economy?

This situation has led to an intensive discussion in which the project opponents repeatedly emphasize that an alternative energy source and hydrogen cannot be offered at any cost, especially not at a location that may not offer the necessary water resources. The opponents are calling for a re -evaluation of the project before further steps are taken.

The upcoming decisions of the courts are eagerly awaited in this context. It remains to be seen whether the opponent's revision will be successful or whether Burgenland Energie can continue to drive its project. The argument illustrates the challenges that go hand in hand with the development of sustainable energy sources and shows that in addition to economic also, many environmental aspects must also be included in the decision -making process.