OMV has begun gas production from the Wittau field in Austria, less than three years after announcing it as the country’s largest natural gas discovery in four decades.
The Austrian energy company expects to develop approximately 11TW-hours (TWh) of gas during the first phase of the Wittau project, with supplies intended for the winter of 2026/27. This volume is expected to be sufficient to cover the heating needs of around 100,000 households for ten years.
OMV confirmed that total recoverable resources from the field could reach up to 48TWh or 28 million barrels of oil equivalent. The gas field in Lower Austria is projected to ultimately double OMV’s domestic production levels once fully ramped up.
The discovery was made in July 2023 by drilling the Wittau Tief-2a exploration well to a final depth of 5,000m following a five-month drilling campaign.
A total of €150m has been invested to develop the Wittau field in the first phase. This includes around €70m for drilling and €80m allocated to infrastructure and equipment.
OMV has also indicated that further investment in the region may reach approximately €500m, depending on future market conditions and decisions.
OMV executive board chairman and CEO Alfred Stern said: “Wittau represents the successful start-up of the largest gas discovery in Austria in the past 40 years. The project reflects OMV’s ability to deliver reliably on strategically important developments.
“It also strengthens our gas diversification strategy by increasing the share of domestic natural gas in our portfolio. At the same time, gas remains a crucial energy source – helping to secure supply today while simultaneously supporting the transition to a clean, renewable energy system.”
Company representatives and government officials including Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker; Federal Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer; and Governor of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl-Leitner attended the production launch.
Chancellor Stocker said: “At full capacity, OMV could double its gas production and thereby contribute to making Austria more resilient, more independent and better prepared for crises.
“In light of current geopolitical disruptions, it is clear how important it is to make smart use of the own potential and to invest in modern infrastructure at domestic sites. The Wittau production facility demonstrates that security of supply is achieved where long-term thinking and consistent investment come together.”
