ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä and voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner today laid the world’s first hydrogen-based rail at Linz Central Station. The event, attended by Austrian Federal Minister Peter Hanke, Upper Austria Governor Thomas Stelzer, and Regional Infrastructure Minister Günther Steinkellner, marks a global first: a rail manufactured using hydrogen-based input material produced with net-zero CO₂ emissions.
This innovation is the latest in a series of joint efforts by Austria’s leading infrastructure and steel technology firms to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of rail transport and advance climate-neutral mobility.
“Innovations ‘Made in Austria’ like this are a key reason why Austria’s rail industry is among the global leaders. Per capita, we are the top rail exporter in Europe. Our mandate is clear: to build on this leadership and actively shape the transition to sustainable mobility,” said Federal Minister Peter Hanke.
“Every rail journey begins with the first metre of track. Today, that journey has taken a leap forward. One future meets another: the hydrogen-based rail is now part of the crucial four-track expansion,” said ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä.
Hydrogen replaces coal
The rail, produced using green hydrogen instead of fossil fuels, represents a major technological breakthrough. voestalpine CEO Herbert Eibensteiner stated: “We have already taken successful steps toward green steel production, including the construction of two electric arc furnaces powered by green electricity in Linz and Donawitz. At the same time, we are conducting research with industry and academic partners into a range of breakthrough technologies. Manufacturing the world’s first hydrogen-based rail at our Donawitz site is a historic milestone.”
The zero-emissions rail also supports a sustainable circular economy, as it is made entirely from recycled materials.
High-Tech rail production in Donawitz
The rail was manufactured in Donawitz, Styria, home to one of the most advanced rail rolling mills in the world. Within hours, it was delivered just-in-time to Linz Central Station, reflecting a commitment to regional value creation and efficient logistics. The project underscores Austria’s global leadership in railway technology.
The initiative by ÖBB and voestalpine is not only a demonstration of innovation and climate protection, but also of the strength of Austrian industry. “With the world’s first hydrogen-based rail, we are proving that Upper Austria’s industry is not just a part of history but also shaping the future. Climate-neutral steel, modern rail infrastructure, and sustainable mobility – all made in Upper Austria. That reflects what makes our region strong: smart minds, skilled hands, and innovative businesses. These are the advantages we need to remain competitive going forward,” said Governor Thomas Stelzer.
Infrastructure upgrade: Linz–Wels vorridor
The hydrogen rail was installed as part of ongoing works at the west exit of Linz Central Station, a critical section in the comprehensive four-track upgrade of the Westbahn route from Vienna to Wels. The “Linz Central Station – West Side” project is designed to unlock new capacity for future rail transport.
“Four tracks will eliminate the bottleneck between Linz and Wels. This will enable better rail services in the Upper Austrian central region,” said Regional Infrastructure Minister Günther Steinkellner.
The expansion is expected to accommodate more passenger and freight trains, leading to enhanced regional rail services. Passengers will benefit from a denser S-Bahn network in the Linz-Wels corridor, an integrated regular-interval timetable, and overall improvements in both regional and express train services. The upgrade also includes new, modern, and barrier-free stations with Park & Ride facilities.
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