OMV has officially started gas extraction from the Wittau well in Austria, marking the country’s largest natural gas discovery in more than four decades.
The launch ceremony was attended by Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, and Lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
Discovered three years ago, the Wittau field is considered one of the most strategically significant domestic energy developments in Austria in recent decades.
According to OMV, the first phase of the project will develop approximately 11 terawatt-hours of natural gas, equivalent to around one billion standard cubic metres. The volume is expected to provide heating energy for nearly 100,000 households over the next ten years.
The company said production began in the second quarter of 2026 following an investment decision earlier this year, with the project expected to support energy supply stability during the winter season of 2026–27.
OMV Chief Executive Officer Alfred Stern described Wittau as a major milestone for Austria’s domestic energy sector and part of the company’s broader gas diversification strategy.
He noted that increasing the share of domestically produced gas would strengthen supply resilience while supporting the country’s transition toward a cleaner and more renewable energy system.
Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker said the project carries strategic importance for the country’s long-term energy security, especially amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and energy market disruptions.
According to OMV, the first development phase involves investments of approximately €150 million, including around €70 million allocated for drilling operations and €80 million for infrastructure and technical equipment.
The company stated that the project is expected to create local economic value, preserve skilled employment opportunities and strengthen Austria’s technological capabilities in the energy sector.
Once fully developed, the Wittau project could potentially double OMV’s domestic gas production. The field is estimated to contain recoverable resources of around 48 terawatt-hours, equivalent to roughly 4.2 billion standard cubic metres of gas.
OMV also indicated that the region could attract additional investments of nearly €500 million in the future, depending on market conditions and further development decisions.
